Open-heart surgery is commonly what comes to mind with the term “heart surgery.” In this procedure, the surgeon creates an incision about 6 to 8 inches long in the center of your chest, then opens up the ribcage to access the heart. You’ll be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes over the heart’s pumping function since your heart will be stopped during the operation.

Off-pump bypass surgery, also known as “beating heart” surgery, is similar to traditional open-heart surgery but does not utilize a heart-lung bypass machine. This technique is specifically used for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and is typically suitable for bypassing only one or two coronary arteries.

Minimally invasive heart surgery, or “keyhole surgery,” involves using smaller incisions to reach the heart. This can be done through a partial sternotomy, which involves a 3- to 4-inch cut through part of the sternum, or through a mini-thoracotomy, which avoids the sternum altogether and makes small incisions between the ribs. Robotics are sometimes employed in these minimally invasive procedures to enhance precision and control.