24th April, 2025
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a procedure that is used to treat coronary artery blockages. The life saving treatment can help blood flow normally to the heart, which might have been disrupted because of the blockage. Previously, such a surgery would involve opening the chest by making a large incision and cutting the breast bone in the front. Although effective, this poses significant risks and requires lengthy recovery period. This is where minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is beneficial. It offers a less invasive alternative with numerous benefits over traditional CABG surgery. Here, we share some of the benefits of MIDCAB over CABG.
One of the most significant advantages of MIDCAB is the reduction in surgical trauma. Traditional CABG requires a sternotomy, where the breastbone is cut open to access the heart. This not only increases the risk of infection and other complications but also leads to a prolonged recovery period. MIDCAB, however, is performed through small incisions between the ribs, on the side of the chest. This approach results in less pain, less blood loss, faster weaning from ventilator, minimal scarring and a lower risk of infection.
Patients undergoing MIDCAB typically experience a much faster recovery time compared to those who have traditional CABG surgery. Because the procedure is less invasive and avoids the trauma associated with a sternotomy, patients can return to normal activities more quickly. Hospital stays are shorter, often ranging from three to five days. Many patients are able to resume work and daily activities immediately after discharge. This contrasts with the recovery from traditional CABG, which can take several months due to the need for the breastbone to heal.
MIDCAB reduces the risk of complications both during and after surgery. Due to small incisions and avoidance of sternotomy, we are able to minimize blood loss, sternal wound infection and better postoperative respiratory mechanism leading to faster mobilization, MIDCAB procedure lowers these risks, making it a safer option for many patients for those with additional health concerns, such as diabetes.
For many patients, the cosmetic outcome of MIDCAB is another significant benefit. The small incisions used in this procedure result in minimal scarring, which is often barely visible after healing. In contrast, the long scar from a sternotomy can be a source of self-consciousness for patients, particularly younger individuals or those who are more active. The smaller incisions also reduce the risk of complications such as keloid formation, which can occur with larger surgical scars.
Explore our cardiothoracic department. At our facility, we offer a comprehensive range of cardiothoracic surgeries, including closed heart surgeries, minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS), cardiac bypass surgery, total arterial grafting for CABG and operations for valvular and congenital heart diseases. We also specialise in vascular and thoracic surgeries, valvuloplasty and redo cardiac surgeries. Our pre and post-surgical support includes ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, physical medicine, rehabilitation and even at-home blood sample collection.
