Traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
This procedure represents the prevalent form of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), typically employed when there’s a necessity to bypass at least one major artery.
In the course of the operation, the sternum is incised to reach the heart. Medications are administered to halt the heart’s activity, and a heart-lung bypass machine is employed to ensure continuous circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body during the procedure. This facilitates the surgical intervention on a quiescent heart.
Post-surgery, blood flow to the heart is reinstated. Generally, the heart resumes its natural rhythm spontaneously. Occasionally, gentle electrical impulses may be utilized to reinitiate cardiac activity if needed.
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
This variation of CABG resembles traditional CABG in that it involves opening the chest bone to reach the heart. However, in off-pump CABG, the heart continues to beat, and a heart-lung bypass machine is not employed. Off-pump CABG is occasionally referred to as beating heart bypass grafting.
Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
This procedure shares similarities with off-pump CABG. However, rather than a single large incision to access the heart, several small incisions are made on the left side of the chest between the ribs.
Primarily utilized for bypassing blood vessels in front of the heart, this approach is relatively recent and performed less frequently compared to other CABG methods.
This type of CABG isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly if multiple coronary arteries require bypassing, exceeding one or two.