To bypass, or go around, the obstruction caused by a coronary (heart) artery filled with a clot or with plaque (Atherosclerosis). If the obstruction is not bypassed, the heart muscle beyond the obstruction is denied oxygen and nutrients. It differs from traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery because it is a less invasive procedure, using smaller incisions to improve stability and to speed recovery, and does not require the use of a heart-lung machine.

What is the surgery?

Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass is known as "MID-CAB." Minimally invasive means that the surgeon accesses the heart with less trauma, and thru a smaller incision, than traditional Bypass Surgery. Most often, the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery will be bypassed, using the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) as the bypass graft. The steps are:

Where is the surgery performed?

In the Operating Room (OR), under general anesthesia.

How long does this surgery take?

MID-CAB usually takes about 2 hours.

For a referral to an Allen Hospital cardiologist, call (319)235-3944 or click here to go to the Heart Center physician listing.