Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery a Success
All through the fall of 2008, my physicians tried to track down a problem I was having with my heart rate, which dropped when I exercised. This caused light-headedness and prevented me from exercising. I didn't have any other symptoms, such as chest pains or nausea, and as a matter of fact, my primary frustration was the restriction on my exercise routine. A heart catheterization revealed a full blockage in my right coronary artery, which was treated with a stent. But the stent did not alleviate my symptoms, and through a series of tests I learned that the left main coronary artery was 85 percent blocked and that I would have to have bypass surgery.
I expressed some objections to my physician because I know that sometimes there are complications with bypass surgery. He described to me the new, minimally-invasive Endo-ACAB surgery, which I had not heard of before. Once he described it to me, my concerns were alleviated, and I was willing to undergo the procedure. The surgery was scheduled for November 13, 2008, but due to my health history, the doctor wouldn't know until he began the procedure whether I would be having the traditional bypass or the new Endo-ACAB surgery. As it turned out, I was a prime candidate for the Endo-ACAB procedure, which meant he didn't have to crack my sternum or harvest a vein from my leg. Additionally, he needed to place only one set of sutures.
The surgery was very successful, and now I have fully recovered. I am getting wonderful circulation to my heart, and I have the freedom to engage in a full exercise regimen. I just finished a half marathon, which was unthinkable a few short months ago. The surgery alleviated all of the problems which threatened my heart health.
I ended up having the procedure at Emory because my cardiologist, who is a high school friend, has been with Emory for a long time. To perform the surgery, he recommended Dr. Tom Vassiliades. I was comforted by the fact that Dr.Vassliades helped to pioneer this procedure and drew confidence from his knowledge and expertise
William Wells Murray, 54, Lilburn, Georgia
