Is OPCAB A More Expensive Option? How Safe Is OPCAB?

There is no difference in the cost between the standard bypass and OPCAB (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass). In many patients, as the ICU and hospital stay become much shorter and usage of costly antibiotics reduces, the total cost may even be less.

Bypass operation has become a very safe operation. The success rate for bypass operations in the best centers over the world is 96-99%. Last year the OPCAB success rate at Medical Trust Hospital was a proud 100%.

Is OPCAB A ‘Key Hole’ Operation?

Generally this form of operation is done through a standard opening in front of the chest that bypass operation is infamous for.

OPCAB (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass) 

The reason why this approach is widely popular is because of its safety and adaptability. In various unexpected difficult situations it gives the surgeon many options to achieve the desired result. So to put it the right perspective, OPCAB (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass) is not a ‘key hole’ operation.

How is OPCAB done?

It is clear that OPCAB would be technically more difficult to perform than conventional bypass for the plain fact that the fine surgical work needs to be done while the surface is still moving. There are certain devices which make the process a bit easier for the surgeon. Most important of them is called a tissue stabilizer.

Tissue Stabilizer

This, when applied over the heart stabilizes a small portion of the heart wall and reduces the movement in that region. This makes surgical procedure a lot easier to perform. There are other devices which add to the safety like shunts which prevent blood loss and blowers which help to clear operating field.