Hybrid coronary bypass is a relatively new procedure and alternative to traditional bypass

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery, also coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and colloquially heart bypass or bypass surgery is a surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease...

 surgery that is defined by the performance of coronary bypass surgery and coronary stenting during the same operation. It is not to be confused with a MIDCAB(Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery) procedure, which uses the smaller thoracotomy

Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy is an incision into the pleural space of the chest. It is performed by a surgeon, and, rarely, by emergency physicians, to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the heart, the lungs, the esophagus or thoracic aorta, or for access to the anterior spine such as is necessary...

 incision but does not involve coronary stenting. Hybrid bypass offers all the benefits of a MIDCAB 1) a much smaller incision (made through the rib cage

Rib cage

The rib cage is an arrangement of bones in the thorax of animals. It is formed by the vertebral column, ribs and sternum and encloses the heart and lungs....

 as opposed to cutting the sternum and opening the rib cage) than with traditional bypass surgery 2) less pain for the patient and quicker recovery time and 3) less risk of complications, infections etc and also decreases the necessity for two separate cardiac procedures (bypass and stenting). However, it is more expensive, cannot be performed at all hospitals, and the long-term benefits are not proven.