This eMedTV page provides an in-depth look at beating heart bypass surgery, including how it differs from other heart surgeries, expected benefits, and possible risks. As the name suggests, this operation is performed while the heart is beating.
Surgeons recommending beating heart bypass surgery use a heart stabilizer, rather than a heart-lung machine. This eMedTV Web page describes this technology and lists its potential advantages, such as a shorter hospital stay.
This eMedTV segment discusses patient-doctor communication, transportation, and other things to consider when preparing for beating heart bypass surgery. It also briefly lists instructions you may be given prior to surgery, such as to stop smoking.
A patient is carefully monitored on the day of off-pump bypass surgery. This eMedTV segment describes standard equipment, such as EKGs and IVs, that are used during off-pump bypass surgery and things to expect when going in for the surgery.
This eMedTV resource outlines what will happen to the patient once in the beating heart bypass surgery operating room. The room contains special equipment, such as heart monitors, anesthesia equipment, and sterile instruments.
This eMedTV page explains the administration of anesthesia for beating heart bypass surgery. By causing drowsiness and eliminating pain, anesthesia allows patients to sleep through the procedure. Possible side effects and risks are also discussed.
Instruments used for beating heart bypass surgery described in this eMedTV article include the heart stabilizer and the heart-lung bypass machine. This article explains the functions of and the differences between these two tools.
This eMedTV segment describes a typical off-pump bypass surgery in detail. This procedure involves opening the chest and, while the heart is beating, attaching a new blood vessel to increase flow to the heart.
A patient's beating heart bypass surgery recovery must be closely monitored to avoid complications. This eMedTV Web page outlines standard recovery procedures, things to do and not to do after surgery, and tips on follow-up care.
For many patients, beating heart bypass surgery expectations are high. This eMedTV resource discusses the factors, such as high cholesterol and tobacco use, that can lead to closed grafts and lowered expectations with this type of surgery.
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.
For patients wishing to avoid beating heart bypass surgery, alternatives described in this eMedTV resource include medication, balloon angioplasty, or placement of a stent. This resource also explains when each might be chosen and possible risks.
By forgoing the procedure, you may be wondering what you can expect without beating heart bypass surgery. This eMedTV resource explains the risks and consequences associated with not having beating heart bypass surgery.
As this eMedTV article explains, if you have diabetes and beating heart bypass surgery was recently performed, it's important to tell your doctor if you have symptoms of abnormal blood sugar, such as feeling very thirsty.
