Coronary artery bypass surgery is done to provide new blood flow around partially or completely blocked coronary arteries. With a new open "bypass system" the heart can now receive its much needed blood supply.

 

   The valves of the heart can become diseased and malfunction. Some valves become narrowed, or stenosed, and block the flow of the blood through them. Others can become leaky or regurgitant - allowing blood to flow backwards through them. During heart valve surgery, one or more heart valves can be repaired or replaced.

 

   In coronary artery disease, the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a gradual buildup of fat (cholesterol) within the artery wall, which reduces the blood flow to the heart muscle. This buildup is called "atherosclerotic plaque" or simply "plaque," and may start slowly progressing in childhood.

 

Coronary Artery Disease: also referred to as atherosclerosis , is a gradual process in which fatty layers (plaque) build up on the inside of the arterial walls. As the plaque continues to build up and the artery narrows, there is less room for adequate blood flow.

Coronary Thrombosis: is a blood clot that lodges inside a coronary artery and prevents the flow of blood.

The Maze procedure is a surgical intervention that cures atrial fibrillation (AF) by interrupting the circular electrical patterns that are responsible for this arrhythmia. Strategic placement of ablations in both atria stops the formation and the conduction of errant electrical impulses and channels the normal electrical impulse in one direction from the top of the heart to the bottom.