Endoscopic atraumatic coronary artery bypass surgery (Endo-ACAB) and angioplasty are now being combined into one procedure. During this “hybrid” approach, a surgeon performs endo-ACAB, and then an interventional cardiologist places stents (thin, metallic mesh tubes) where needed to open narrowed arteries.
Currently, Emory is the only cardiac surgery service in Georgia that offers the hybrid endo-ACAB/angioplasty procedure. Nationally, fewer than 10 institutions are using these techniques.