Until recently, coronary bypass surgeries were performed through a 15-20 cm incision in the chest, by opening the thoraxit, however, now it is possible to perform coronary bypass surgeries through small incisions. Although life-saving, classical bypass surgeries have some disadvantages for patients. The healing process is delayed due to the cutting of the sternum, and it takes a long time to return to social and business life.

Today, bypass surgeries performed through small incisions without cutting the breastbone seem to replace conventional surgeries in the future with the advantages they provide. In this new method, the entire operation is performed by entering between the ribs with a small incision of 5-6 centimeters.

Stating that small incision bypass surgeries have become popular in the world recently, Prof. Dr. Aşkın Ali Korkmaz from the Near East University Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Department said that the position of the aorta, the structure of the vessels and the state of calcification were the determining factors in the decision to apply the method. Performing many surgeries with this method at the Near East University Hospital, Prof. Dr. Aşkın Ali Korkmaz said, “With the use of detailed pre-operative planning, high-tech equipment and imaging systems, coronary bypass surgery becomes possible through small incisions. In cases where a vein is used from the leg, the entire leg vein can be removed endoscopically (VirtuoSaph Plus) with the camera without making any incisions on the leg.

With the small incision, patients return to their social and work lives in a much shorter time.
Small incision coronary bypass surgeries have many advantages in terms of patient comfort. Prof. Dr. Aşkın Ali Korkmaz explains the advantages of the method: “Since the sternum is not opened, patients feel almost no pain. Since there is less bleeding during and after the operation compared to the classical method, much less blood is needed for the patient. Since the sternum is not cut, the patients do not feel that their body integrity has been lost and the healing process is shortened. In normal bypass surgeries, the patient stays in the hospital for 7-10 days, while in small wound bypass surgeries, the patient can be discharged in 4-5 days. While it is not recommended to drive for a long time and do sports activities after classical surgeries, the patient can return home by using his own car on the day of discharge in surgeries with small incisions. At the same time, surgeries with small incisions also create satisfaction in patients in terms of cosmetic.”

Controls after coronary bypass surgery with small incision method
After coronary bypass surgery with a small incision, patients should have their first check-up in the first month and the second check-up in the sixth month of discharge. After that, annual controls are performed.