Cardiovascular

Bypass Surgery aka Open Heart Surgery aka CABG (“cabbage”)

Hemodynamics of OMM treatment immediately after bypass graft surgery showed:

• Increased blood flow to the periphery (arms, legs, fingers and toes)

• Improved markers for cardiac function:

  • Faster return to normal and stable heart rate

  • More efficient and robust blood circulation

  • Improved oxygen delivery

Arrhythmia

In the period of time immediately following a heart attack, and also in the hours following a surgical procedure, the heart is more prone to going into abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias: atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation), which can lead to a blood clots, pulmonary embolism, or death. OMM’s effect on soothing the nervous system has been noted to decrease the frequency of these arrhythmias from occurring.

Works Cited

• O-Yurvati AH, Carnes MS, CLearfield MB, et al. Hemodynamic effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment immediately after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. J AM Osteopath Assoc. 2005. 105 (10) 475-481.

• Henley CE, Ivins D, Mills M et al. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and its relationship to autonomic nervous system activity as demonstrated by heart rate variability: a repeated measures study. Osteopath Med Prim Care. 2008. 2: 7.

• Kuchera ML, Kuchera WA. Osteopathic Considerations in Systemic Dysfunction, revised 2nd edition. Greyden Press, LLC. 1994. 60-62.