Bypass surgery is typically recommended when medication, lifestyle changes and other treatments are unable to relieve your symptoms or risk of a heart attack due to coronary artery disease (CAD). The surgery can provide an effective, definitive and long-term solution for CAD.

At Inova, bypass surgery can be performed as a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedure. Inova's state-of-the-art da Vinci® surgical system allows your doctor to perform the surgery through a few tiny incisions made between the ribs. The surgical instrumentation provides enhanced vision, dexterity, control and precision.

Robotic-assisted surgery avoids the need for a sternotomy, which is when your doctor makes a large incision, cuts through your breastbone and spreads your ribs to gain access to the heart. Robotic-assisted surgery also avoids the need for a heart-lung machine.

Benefits of robotic-assisted surgery over open surgery include:

• Less risk of infection
• Less blood loss and need for blood transfusions
• Short hospital stay
• Significantly less pain and scarring
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

Talk with your surgeon about whether robotic-assisted surgery is an option for you. Or call 1-855-My-Inova (1-855-694-6682) for a referral to one of our da Vinci robotic surgical specialists.