This portion of the eMedTV library discusses the possible complications of beating heart bypass surgery, as well as their treatments. Complications can take many forms and can range from skin numbness to kidney failure.
There is a 3 to 5 percent chance of someone having a heart attack with off-pump bypass surgery. This eMedTV segment describes how a lack of oxygen can cause parts of the heart muscle to die, possibly resulting in a heart attack.
This eMedTV page discusses the causes, such as a blocked artery, and results of having a stroke during beating heart bypass surgery. This is a serious complication that can cause speech and movement problems or that can even be fatal.
As this eMedTV page explains, bleeding following beating heart bypass surgery is a complication that may require additional time in the operating room. Blood transfusions may be also required, especially for those with a history of abnormal bleeding.
Abnormal scars are a possibility after beating heart bypass surgery. This page of the eMedTV Web site offers information about keloids (thick and raised-up scars) and lists other facts about abnormal scars and beating heart bypass surgery.
New drugs always pose a medication risk, with beating heart bypass surgery or any surgery. This eMedTV segment explains why patients must communicate with their healthcare team about any allergies they have to reduce this risk.
Irregular heart rhythms with beating heart bypass surgery are rare and usually don't cause problems. This eMedTV resource offers basic information on how the heart beats and describes how this irregularity is treated if it develops.
Infections with beating heart bypass surgery can range in severity from mild to severe. This portion of the eMedTV archives explains treatment options, such as antibiotics, and what your doctor may recommend if an infection develops.
Over time, off-pump bypass surgery grafts may fail. This eMedTV resource discusses graft failure and off-pump bypass surgery, including how long grafts typically last and tips that can help delay graft failure after surgery.
Infection or swelling can cause wound breakdown, and off-pump bypass surgery sometimes poses this risk. This eMedTV page explains the effects, such as a thicker scar, and treatment options related to this complication, such as daily bandage changes.
There is a possibility, although rare, of organ injury after off-pump bypass surgery. This page on the eMedTV Web site offers information on this potential complication, which can take the form of damage to the heart, lungs, throat, or nerves.
Lung problems after off-pump bypass surgery can require the use of a breathing machine. This eMedTV segment explores this and other treatments (such as tracheostomy), as well as possible lung complications that can develop with this type of surgery.
This eMedTV Web page gives information on complete or partial lung collapse and off-pump bypass surgery. This serious complication can be avoided by removing fluid from the chest, whether through a syringe or a drainage tube.
Some surgeries carry a risk of kidney problems, and off-pump bypass surgery is one of them. This eMedTV article discusses the odds of developing mild to severe kidney problems after this heart surgery and explains treatment options.
Blood clots following off-pump bypass surgery can cause serious complications. As this eMedTV article explains, these clots (although rare) can block the flow of blood and cause problems, such as deep vein thrombosis.
