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It is clear that OPCAB would be technically more difficult to perform than conventional bypass for the plain fact that the fine surgical work needs to be done while the surface is still moving. There are certain devices which make the process a bit easier for the surgeon. Most important of them is called a tissue stabilizer (See the figure given below). This, when applied over the heart stabilizes a small portion of the heart wall and reduces the movement in that region. This makes surgical procedure a lot easier to perform. There are other devices which add to the safety like shunts which prevent blood loss and blowers which help to clear operating field.

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Is OPCAB a - key hole operation?�

Generally this form of operation is done through a standard opening in front of the chest that bypass operation is infamous for. The reason why this approach is widely popular is because of its safety and adaptability. In various unexpected difficult situations it gives the surgeon many options to achieve the desired result. So to put it the right perspective, OPCAB is not a key hole operation.

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Is OPCAB a more expensive option?

There is no difference in the cost between the standard bypass and OPCAB. In many patients, as the ICU and hospital stay become much shorter and usage of costly antibiotics reduces, the total cost may even be less.

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How safe is OPCAB?

Bypass operation has become a very safe operation. The success rate for bypass operations in the best centers over the world is 96-99%. Last year the OPCAB success rate at Medical Trust Hospital was a proud 100%.

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If OPCAB is not Key Hole operation, what is Key hole Bypass operation?

The key hole bypass operation is known as Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass or MICAS. In this operation the large wound in front of the chest is totally avoided. Through small incisions at the side of the chest main blocks can be treated. The recovery is much faster and patient can be back to work in 4 weeks.

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MICAS can also be combined with Stenting in what is called a HYBrid operation to treat complicated disease patterns. The first HYBrid operation in Kerala was done at Medical Trust Hospital last year.

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Beating heart operations form 30-40% of all bypass operations worldwide. Some of the institutions in India (including Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi) perform more than 90% as beating heart procedures. As bypass operations enter fifth decade of their existence, the number of patients requiring repeat operations is on the rise. This is one place where beating heart operation has a special role. It helps to reduce the blood loss, hospital stay and ICU stay in repeat bypass situations.