Traditional Open Heart vs TeCAB or ThoraCAB

I was told yesterday that I need a 3-4 way by-pass. I am terrified at the thought of opening up my chest, and also stopping my heart. Has anyone had experience w/the minimally invasive procedures of ThoraCAB or TeCAB? Haven't they been used for about 10 yrs? I'm trying to find long-term comparisons. My cardiologist says the newer procedures are a way of "advertising" to get patients in, and those hospitals don't actually do that many of the newer procedures. He said the traditional method is still the standard because it's the best. It's pretty simple to find infomation contrary to what he told me. Anyone have opinions or experiences to share.

Currently, ThoraCAB is an option for most people who require coronary bypass surgery--including people who need as many as six or more grafts, and those who have had coronary bypass surgery in the past.

However, not all people are candidates for ThoraCAB. Surgeons must review medical records and images of the heart's arteries to determine if ThoraCAB is a suitable approach.

Ultimately, many factors are taken into consideration when surgeons select the best coronary artery bypass surgery approach for each patient. Even if ThoraCAB is not an option, surgeons can frequently offer other coronary bypass solutions that provide benefits over the traditional approach, such as off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using a sternal incision.

Can you get a second opinion ?

 

Kindly,

Kitt

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~~Kitt~~
Moderator: Anxiety/Panic, Osteoarthritis, GERD/Heartburn and Heart/Cardiovascular Disease.
www.healingwell.com

"If you can't change the world, change your world"

I had a TECAB in December of 2009 immediately followed by a Stent.  Local doctors in Florida wanted to do a Quadruple Bypass including open chest and using veins from legs.  Fortunately I found the University of Maryland and self-referred.  I know it's not for everyone but for me it was a miracle.  I was playing racquetball (and beating the men) within 3 weeks of surgery.  Back to walking, biking and working in 10 days.  Definitely get a second opinion.  My local doctor told me virtually the same thing as yours told you.  In reality they didn't have the equipment or expertise. I'm only 50 so wanted a better option.  The TECAB is basically the same surgery internally but so much easier and better for the body.  There are only a handful of hospitals that do TECAB; University of Maryland seems to be the leader and that's why I selected it.  Hospital coordinated everything including paying for hotel for first 3 days pre-op.