“Beating Heart” Technique May Improve Survival Rates
A study released in 2003 showed a significant reduction in death rates, and reduced incidence of stroke and other surgical complications among patients whose hearts were kept beating during coronary bypass surgery. To provide more definitive conclusions about the technique, G. Hossein Almassi, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin cardiothoracic surgeon, and colleagues are taking part in a nationwide study of coronary bypass patients.