Beating Heart Surgery

Beating heart surgery, or "off pump" surgery, is heart surgery performed without the use of a heart-lung machine to stop the heart during the procedure. Beating heart surgery is preferred in many cases because it may lead to a quicker recovery, less time in the hospital, less trauma to the heart muscle, and a lower risk of stroke, liver or kidney complications. Beating heart surgery also poses less risk for patients with poor health or a history of stroke or diabetes.

At Providence, nearly 90 percent of all coronary artery bypass surgeries are performed on beating hearts. Providence cardiovascular surgeons also perform surgery for atrial fibrillation on beating hearts.