About This Procedure
What is traditional heart surgery?
Traditional heart surgery is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision about 8–10 inches long through the chest and breastbone, opening the rib cage to access the heart. During surgery, you’ll be placed on a ventilator, your vital signs continuously monitored, and given medication to thin your blood. Traditional heart surgery is commonly used for complex procedures such as multiple coronary artery bypass or complex aorta procedures.
Who Is a Candidate?
Patients we typically evaluate for traditional heart surgery.
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Multi-vessel disease
Patients needing multiple coronary artery bypass grafts.
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Complex aortic procedures
Aneurysm or dissection repairs requiring full access.
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Combined procedures
Patients needing bypass plus valve work in one operation.
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Unsuitable for minimally invasive
Anatomy or comorbidities that rule out smaller-incision approaches.
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CONDITION
Heart Valve Surgery
Repair or replacement of diseased heart valves to restore proper blood flow through the heart.
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