Beating Heart Surgery

During this procedure, the heart is not stopped (no cardioplegia) and heart lung machine is not used. The heart and lungs continue their normal function while CABG is being performed. This is also called Beating Heart Bypass surgery. With the heart still beating, the operation requires greater surgical skills and is done by select surgeons only.

There are many advantages of off pump CABG namely lower risk of strokes, faster recovery from surgery resulting in shorter ICU and hospital stay. In high risk patients with impaired kidney function, poor heart function or Redo CABG (second time) this surgical technique is better as it provides protection to the heart.