ST. MARK’S HOSPITAL CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON DEVELOPS NEW OPEN HEART SURGERY TECHNIQUE

Reduces long-term risks for patients, improves recovery

A new technique for securing arteries used in coronary artery bypass graft surgery has been developed by Utah cardiovascular surgeon Gilbert R. Schorlemmer, M.D. Over three years, the procedure has proven itself in offering substantial benefits to patients and their subsequent recovery from this complex open heart surgery.

“This new technique lessens the long-term risk for patients, reduces damage to the chest wall , results in less pain and discomfort and allows patients to leave the hospital more quickly,” says Schorlemmer, attending surgeon at St. Mark’s Hospital. Because of these benefits, the technique is especially useful for patients who suffer from diabetes or complications from respiratory and pulmonary problems. Traditionally, in coronary bypass surgery, surgeons harvest the internal mammary artery from inside the chest wall. Arterial grafts are used because they last longer and result in decreased risk for death. According to Schorlemmer, people who are obese, have diabetes or whose lungs are not functioning properly have a difficult time and are often not considered good candidates for bypass surgery.

Schorlemmer performs a skeletonized internal mammary harvest using a device called the Harmonic™ System, developed by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. The device uses ultrasound to dissect, coagulate and cut branches of the mammary artery.

Acknowledging that the technique is challenging initially for surgeons to learn, Schorlemmer says that “once they get the hang of it, they won’t do it any other way. Since this procedure is applicable to virtually all patients undergoing bypass grafting, surgeons will see the benefits of it and its value. It has a lot to offer.”

This technique does not damage the chest wall, even in diabetic patients, he says. Patients experience much less discomfort, recover better and leave the hospital more quickly. One-quarter of Schorlemmer’s patients go home on the second day.

Schorlemmer discussed and demonstrated this technique Wednesday, December 13, 2006 on www.OR-live.com. The webcast, “Harvest of the Internal Mammary Artery,” originated from St. Mark’s Hospital. An archived version of the webcast may be seen at www.or-live.com.

Schorlemmer is board certified in both surgery and thoracic surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas, Dallas, in 1978, completed an internship and residency in general surgery at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and completed a residency in thoracic surgery at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics in 1985. Scholelmmer is an attending surgeon with Mountain West Cardiovascular Associates, P.C., Salt Lake City. # # #