'Off-pump' bypass offers benefits

Off-pump bypass – performing a coronary artery bypass grafting operation without using a heart-lung bypass machine – is becoming more common as surgeons work to help patients recover faster, and to prevent potential surgical complications such as stroke.

Stroke is a potential complication of any coronary bypass operation. By using the off-pump approach, surgeons hope to reduce the risk of stroke, especially in high-risk patients. Off-pump bypass surgery may also offer faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and lower cost compared to conventional surgery.

There are two types of off-pump bypass procedures: a minimally invasive setting (for less complicated cases) or with a sternotomy (splitting the breastbone).

The off-pump procedure may be the best option for high-risk patients who have lung problems or a history of stroke, and could have difficulty tolerating the heart-lung bypass machine. Patients may also be more alert following surgery, alleviating what is known as “post-pump syndrome.”