OPCAB
Pronunciation: OP-kab
Also written as: OPCAB — off-pump coronary artery bypass
Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery performed on a beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass.
Full Definition
OPCAB (off-pump coronary artery bypass) is a surgical technique for performing coronary artery bypass grafting without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. The surgery is performed on a beating heart using specialized stabilizing devices that immobilize small sections of the heart while allowing the rest to continue beating. This technique was developed to reduce complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass, such as stroke, bleeding, and inflammatory response. OPCAB requires advanced surgical skills and is not suitable for all patients or all coronary lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Pronounced as a word rather than spelled out letter by letter.
In Context
- "The patient underwent successful OPCAB with three vessel revascularization using arterial conduits." — discharge summary
- "OPCAB techniques have shown reduced inflammatory markers compared to conventional on-pump procedures." — clinical research paper