A new surgical procedure called beating heart surgery could reduce the risk of complications followi...
A new surgical procedure called beating heart surgery could reduce the risk of complications following heart bypass operations in addition to saving the NHS money.
According to research part-funded by the British Heart Foundation, the procedure, which keeps the heart beating while coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) are carried out, reduces complications after surgery and the time patients need to spend in hospital.
Over 28,000 CABGs are carried out in the UK each year, costing the NHS between £7,000 and £9,000 for each operation. The new technique could cut the cost by up to 30%.
During a standard CABG, the heart is stopped and blood is diverted through a heart and lung bypass machine, then artificially re-pumped back around the body.
Surgeons involved in the research at Bristol Royal Infirmary said by keeping the heart beating, it reduces the risk of chest infections, irregular fast heart beats, bleeding and the need for blood transfusions.
Professor Gianni Angelini, the surgeon heading the trial, said: 'Coronary artery bypass graft surgery on the beating heart is gaining popularity. Our research shows it does improves outcome. We use this technique in 60% of cases and hope our evidence will encourage more surgeons to use it, which can reduce complications and save resources.'
