Overview of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of coronary artery bypass surgery in clinical practice, beginning with a discussion about implications from a public health perspective, followed by indications for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgical options in heart failure patients, and minimally invasive approaches. Specific areas discussed include on- versus off-pump CABG, robotic procedures, coronary endarterectomy, the Dor procedure (Surgical Ventricular Restoration), Impella® and Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)-supported CABG, trans-myocardial laser revascularization (TMR), and hybrid and multiple arterial revascularization techniques. To conclude is a discussion on the growing importance of surgical simulation and different models of simulators in training residents and fellows. Faculty members similarly benefit from surgical simulation, particularly for complex or less frequent revascularization procedures.