Closed Coronary Bypass (Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass)
Closed coronary bypass is one of the surgical methods used for individuals with coronary artery disease. Unlike open bypass surgery, the breastbone is not cut; instead, a small 6-8 cm incision is made under or above the left breast. The ribs are gently separated, and the coronary bypass procedure is performed through this small incision. This type of bypass procedure, performed without cutting the breastbone, is called Closed Coronary Bypass (Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass).
Is There a Difference Between the Procedures in Closed Coronary Bypass and Open Bypass?
The coronary bypass procedure itself is the same in both open and closed methods. The procedure involves adding new vessels in front of the blocked arteries to increase blood flow to the area and nourish the tissues. Every step and bypass performed in the open method can be carried out equally in the closed method, so there is no difference in terms of the treatment itself. The bypass performed in the closed method is never incomplete, and it is even more advantageous in terms of recovery compared to the open method.
Cutting the bone in the open method may lead to some issues during and after surgery. During surgery, bleeding problems can occur, and in the late recovery phase, bone healing and infection problems, along with activity restrictions for the patient, can arise. Returning to social and work life is delayed, and it can slow the patient’s psychological recovery from the illness. However, closed coronary bypass avoids these issues and helps the patient recover psychologically more quickly.
How Many Vessels Can Be Bypassed in Closed Bypass? Are There Limitations?
In closed bypass surgery, all vessels can be bypassed, just as in the open method. In the earlier years when the method was new, there were some limitations. It was only possible to bypass the vessels in the front of the heart, and no more than two vessels could be bypassed. However, these limitations no longer exist today. Any number of vessels that require bypass can be treated using the closed method. Bypasses can be performed on all vessels, whether they are on the front or back of the heart. In short, closed bypass surgery is suitable for reaching all vessels of the heart, and any vessel that can be bypassed in open bypass surgery can also be bypassed in the closed method.
