Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery is done to restore blood flow around a blocked heart artery. The surgery may be done as an emergency treatment for a heart attack if other immediate treatments are not working. Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a new path for blood to flow around a blocked or partially blocked artery in the heart. The surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from the chest or leg area and connecting it below the blocked heart artery. The new pathway improves blood flow to the heart muscle.

Although coronary artery bypass surgery does not cure the heart disease that causes a blockage, such as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, it can reduce symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. The surgery, commonly called CABG, may reduce the risk of heart disease-related death.

Information provided by Mayo Clinic

Specializing in Beating Heart Surgery

Geoffrey R. Cousins, MD, FACS, is a Memorial Health System cardiothoracic surgeon who not only specializes in coronary artery bypass surgery but is the only provider in the local area performing beating heart surgery. Get to know the procedure from the expert himself:

What is beating heart surgery?

“Beating heart surgery is used for coronary revascularization, also known as bypass surgery. This has traditionally been performed with a heart-lung machine, a pump that moves blood through the body while the heart is isolated, but this surgery removes the machine and keeps the heart beating continuously. By removing the heart-lung machine, we keep the heart beating continuously, so the brain, kidneys, and lungs see the pulsatile blood flow they are used to.” – Dr. Cousins

What are the benefits of performing the procedure this way?

“Beating heart surgery reduces blood loss, transfusions, renal failure, and stroke. Patients recover faster and return to their usual activities quicker” – Dr. Cousins

Benefits of Beating Heart Surgery

Reduced injury to the heart
Shorter hospital stays
Fewer heart rhythm problems

Meet The Team

Geoffrey R. Cousins, MD, FACS
Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Benjamin Morgan, PA-C
Physician Assistant

Learn More

For more information about Beating Heart Surgery, or to set up an initial appointment to see if it’s right for you, please contact our office at (740) 568-5207.