What Is Coronary Artery Disease? Coronary artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the arteries that bring oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle. This narrowing or blockage is caused by atherosclerosis (sometimes referred to as “hardening” or “clogging” of the arteries), which is the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits…

What Is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)? A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart muscle. This is done by using blood vessels from other parts of the body to make a new route for blood to flow around blocked coronary (heart) arteries. Reasons for the…

“I have talked with friends who have had the open surgery and they all had at least six to eight weeks recovery time. I was at home and within a few weeks and my wife was telling me to slow down.” —Richard A. What Is Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery? A minimally invasive bypass surgery restores…

What Is Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart muscle. This is done by using blood vessels from other parts of the body to make a new route, or bypass, for blood to flow around blocked coronary (heart) arteries. In…

What Are Aortic Blood Vessel Diseases? The aorta is the largest, main artery, through which blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body. When the aorta is affected by disease, it can split (dissection) or bulge (aneurysm). An aortic aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of the aorta, and…

What Is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair? The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It begins at the heart and runs through the chest and abdomen. Sometimes the walls of the aorta weaken and bulge in one area. That weakness or bulge is called an aneurysm. An aortic aneurysm repair supports or replaces the…

What Is Aortic Arch Surgery? The aortic arch is the central section of the aorta and from it branch arteries that supply blood to the head and upper body. A weakened wall of the aortic arch can lead to a bulge or ballooning, called an aneurysm, and these can tear (dissection) or rupture. Reasons for…

What Is Aortic Valve Disease? Aortic valve disease is a condition in which the valve between the left ventricle (main pumping chamber) of the heart and the aorta (main artery) to the body doesn’t work properly. Aortic valve disease may be present at birth, or may result from other causes over time. There are two…

What it is The aortic valve is located between the pumping chamber on the left side of the heart and the aorta, which is a major artery. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The valve should be closed while the heart is filling with blood. When the…

“In this day and age, any type of cardiac surgery is such a big deal, along with the recovery. You need to take advantage of these modern procedures. It makes a big difference for the recovery.” —Charles E. What Is Aortic Valve Replacement? The aortic valve is located between the pumping chamber on the left…