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Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery

Also called: Beating Heart Surgery, MIDCAB, Limited Access Coronary Artery Surgery, Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass

- Summary
- About MIDCAB
- Before the procedure
- During the procedure
- After the procedure
- Benefits and risks
- Lifestyle considerations
- Variants of the MIDCAB
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Abdou Elhendy, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA
Mercedes K. C. Dullum, M.D., FACC, FCCP, FACS
Neil R. Bercow, M.D., FACS

After the MIDCAB procedure

Following the minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB), the patient will spend some time in the recovery room, where simple exercises will be performed to restore normal breathing, circulation and movement. Heart and blood flow will be continuously monitored. Within 24 hours, the patient will be transferred to a regular hospital room. Routine medications and additional pain medications may be administered and food will be given as tolerated by the patient.

An average hospital stay after a MIDCAB procedure is approximately three days. After discharge, patients are encouraged to engage in light exercise, such as walking. Strenuous exercise is discouraged. 

Benefits and risks of the MIDCAB procedure

Clinical tests have shown that minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is a highly successful procedure with a lower risk of serious complications than a conventional bypass surgery. A successful MIDCAB will result in the resumption of normal blood flow through the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). A segment of the LAD will still be blocked, but the blood will be able to flow freely through the detour and around the damaged area via the newly grafted mammary artery. However, it is worth noting that observational studies comparing MIDCAB have not been long-term. These are ongoing.

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Review Date: 01-26-2007
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