Minimally invasive bypass surgery

also known as MIDCAB (Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting)

---

MIDCAB is performed through small incision on the lateral aspect of chest wall compared to traditional bypass surgery which requires median sternotomy (splitting of breastbone & opening central chest). MIDCAB is an off-pump beating heart surgery ( i.e., surgery is performed without stopping the heart).

The advantages of MIDCAB over traditional bypass surgery are:

Opening central chest (sternotomy) is avoided

Cosmetically better (no scar on central chest)

Less blood loss

Lower risk of infection & faster healing

Reduced stay in ICU stay & overall stay in hospital

Reduced post-operative chest discomfort, stroke & mortality

Improved postoperative lung function & quality of life

Quicker recovery

Hybrid coronary revascularization procedure involves combination of MIDCAB surgery and PTCA angioplasty stenting. In patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease, immediately following MIDCAB surgery, one or two remaining non-grafted arteries will be stented by cardiologist.