Coronary Bypass Surgery (Minimally Invasive)
Whenever possible, CABG surgery at NYU is performed using minimally invasive techniques. Our staff is experienced with all minimally invasive techniques, including MID-CAB (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass) surgery, port-access (“keyhole”) surgery, and robotic surgery.
We also offer OP-CAB ( off-pump, or beating-heart, surgery). In traditional CABG surgery, the heart is stopped and connected to a heart-lung machine (which oxygenates the blood and pumps it around the body), allowing the surgeon to operate on a stationary surface. To reach the heart and connect the heart-lung machine, the surgeons makes an incision in the chest and then divides the breast bone — the most traumatic aspect of the operation.
Today, it is possible to perform CABG surgery without putting the patient on the heart-lung machine. In off-pump surgery, certain areas of the heart are immobilized with cardiac stabilizers, allowing the surgeon to operate while the heart is still beating. Studies (including a study conducted by physicians at NYU and the Veterans Administration) show that off-pump surgery is advantageous for patients at high risk for complications from heart-lung bypass, including those with vascular disease, a history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks, heavily calcified aortas, carotid artery stenosis, and heart or kidney problems, and those over age 70.
Re-operative and High-Risk Surgery
Our surgeons and dedicated cardiac intensive care specialists have extensive experience with patients who require second or third CABGs, as well as with other high-risk patients, such as the elderly and those with multiple health problems.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is essential to recovering from cardiopulmonary disease. We encourage our patients, when appropriate, to obtain care at the Joan and Joel Smilow Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention Center at NYU or at another rehabilitation program.
The Smilow Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention Center, a component of the renowned Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, offers the most comprehensive cardiopulmonary wellness and rehabilitation services in the tri-state area. Both inpatient and outpatient services are provided, helping patients move seamlessly into the recovery phase of their care. Facilities include a 22-bed inpatient unit, a state-of-the-art cardiopulmonary rehabilitation gym, and dedicated space for patient education.
Cardiac Surgery
NYU Langone Medical Center
530 First Avenue, Suite 9V
New York, NY 10016
(212) 263-2190
Aubrey C. Galloway, M.D.
Seymour Cohn Professor and Chairman / Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery / Director, Thoracic Surgery Residency Program
Gregory Crooke, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery / Director, Ventricular Assist Device Program
Alfred T. Culliford, M.D.
Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Eugene A. Grossi, M.D.
Director, Cardiac Surgical Research / Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Manhattan Veterans Hospital
David B. Meyer, M.D.
Director, Pediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery Program
Associate Director, Thoracic Surgery Residency Program / Director, Surgical Heart Failure Program / Chief, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bellevue Hospital Center
Director, Thoracic Aortic Stent Graft Program
