A traditional heart bypass surgery involves a major operation where the heart is temporarily stopped and the chest is opened to access the coronary arteries. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Traditional Heart Bypass Procedure
The surgery is performed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, thus restoring blood flow to the heart. The traditional approach consists of the following steps:
- Incision: A large cut is made in the chest.
- Sternotomy: The breastbone (sternum) is cut lengthwise in half and spread apart to open the chest cavity.
- Heart Exposure: Once the heart is visible, tubes are inserted into the heart.
- Heart Stopped: The heart is temporarily stopped during the bypass procedure.
The Purpose of Bypassing
The procedure aims to reroute blood flow around the narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The surgeon usually uses a healthy blood vessel, frequently from the leg, arm, or chest, to create the bypass. This new path allows blood to flow to the heart muscle effectively.
Key Steps Summarized
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Chest Incision | A large cut made on the chest to gain access to the heart. |
| 2. Sternum Cut | The breastbone is cut and spread open. |
| 3. Heart Access | Tubes are inserted into the heart for the bypass. |
| 4. Heart Stoppage | The heart is temporarily stopped to perform the bypass. |
The traditional approach requires stopping the heart and using a heart-lung machine to circulate blood, while newer, less invasive techniques are available, but this traditional approach is still utilized in many situations.
