Minimally invasive cardiac bypass surgery/
coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG)

How does MICS CABG differ from traditional bypass surgery?

To reach the heart in traditional bypass surgery, a sternotomy incision, approximately 6"–8" in length, is made midline on the chest and through the breastbone. It can be performed "off-pump" or, if necessary, the heart can be stopped and a heart-lung machine is used to help maintain the circulation of blood and oxygen content of the body. Upon completing the surgery, the breastbone is wired together and then the sternotomy incision closed. It is a highly invasive process with a long recovery phase. Postsurgery complications are not uncommon. In comparison to MICS CABG, the traditional method has much greater impact on the body.

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Figure Left: To reach the heart in traditional bypass surgery, a sternotomy incision, approximately 6"–8" in length, is made midline on the chest and through the breastbone. Figure Right: In comparison, MICS CABG is much less invasive as the surgery is performed through three small incisions and without breaking the ribs or the breastbone.