“Beating Heart” or “Off-Pump” coronary bypass surgery is known in the medical world as OPCAB (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass). Advances in medicine have made it possible for heart surgery to be less invasive in nature. This technique is effective as it significantly reduces swelling and steers clear of neurological limitations or complications which have been associated with the heart-lung machine.

How is OPCAB Safe?

In the off-pump or beating heart technique, bypass of coronary arteries is carried out while the heart continues to beat. Surgeons gain access to the heart with a traditional mid-sternal incision which is called sternotomy. Stabilizers are also used to hold steady the artery to be bypassed. Stabilizing devices are made of stainless steel and plastic, suction pods are used to grasp the epicardium (outer layer of heart tissue) while the heart is repositioned and vascular repairs are made.

Important Advantages of OPCAB

Moreover, off-pump open heart surgery is an excellent option which offers significant advantages such as the following.
• Quick recovery
• Less injury to the heart muscle
• Reduced risk of stroke
• No need for blood transfusions
• Fewer complications associated with lungs

Improvement in CABG Outcomes

A desire to improve outcomes after surgery and advances in technology have led surgeons to perform heart bypass surgery in India. Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is performed in certain patients with coronary artery disease. With available technology, all arteries on the heart can be bypassed off-pump. It is indeed ideal for certain patients who are at increased risk for complications from cardiopulmonary bypass, those who have heavy aortic calcification (calcium deposits on aortic valve in the heart), which is also known as aortic valve stenosis. Liver cirrhosis, ineffective pulmonary and kidney function, people with cerebral vascular problems, bleeding disorders, and patients older than 70 years of age come under the purview of high-risk patients.

Open Heart Surgery in India

Heart bypass surgery cost is relatively less expensive in India when compared to other countries of the world. Heart bypass surgery in India is on high demand due to availability of medically advanced hospitals and globally reputed medical professionals who have created their own identity in this field. Efficient as well as inexpensive medical treatment in India has made increasing number of foreign patients visit India for seeking medical treatment.