Heart Bypass Surgery

Heart bypass surgery uses blood vessels to bypass heart arteries that have become clogged over time with fats, cholesterol and other substances, collectively known as "plaque." The goal of heart bypass surgery is to restore healthy blood flow to the heart and avoid a major blockage.

Heart bypass surgery begins with the harvesting of a blood vessel from the chest, leg or arm. One end of the vessel is attached to a healthy artery, and the other end is attached to the diseased coronary artery below the point where it is clogged. This creates a new channel, allowing blood to flow freely again.

Traditional Open Surgery

The traditional open approach to heart bypass surgery requires that the surgeon “open the chest” with an 8 to 10” incision, saw through the breastbone and spread the ribs – to gain direct access to the heart. This process can prolong healing time, increase risk of infection and expose the patient to serious complications.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery

With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgery is performed without opening the chest, by way of several tiny (1-2 cm) incisions. State-of-the-art surgical instruments, connected to robotic arms, are passed through the incisions to access the surgical site. The robotic arms are totally controlled by the surgeon and provide superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, increased precision and ergonomic comfort.

For most patients, robotic-assisted surgery offers substantial benefits, including:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less pain
• Smaller incisions and less scarring
• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss and fewer transfusions
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to everyday activities

To learn more about robotic-assisted surgery, see the frequently asked questions section of this web site. To inquire about specific services, please click here or call our Second Opinion Program at 888-973-2663.