Episode 61: Coronary Artery Bypass Advantage - Dr. Christopher Kwon's Non-Traditional Approach to Myocardial Bridge Unroofing.

This may be one of those episodes that could be considered controversial and I hope it does prompt questions. Dr. Christopher Kwon is a highly experienced cardiac surgeon whose practice in Lake Havasu, Arizona has brought him face-to-face with a growing number of patients living with symptomatic Myocardial Bridges.What made this conversation so compelling is Dr. Kwon’s dual approach—he doesn’t just perform the standard unroofing procedure. He also chooses to bypass the artery in the same operation, giving his patients the greatest chance for long-term relief, in his expert opinion. As he says, it’s a “belts and suspenders” approach.We talk about everything related to the bridge unroofing procedure.The fear patients have around sternotomy,The diagnostic process including provocative testing,The reality of competitive flow in grafts,The insurance coding challenges that can delay care,And, perhaps most importantly, how critical it is to advocate for yourself.Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or a provider trying to better understand this often-dismissed condition, I believe this episode can give you clarity, confidence, and hope.In This Episode, We Cover:Dr. Kwon’s path from aspiring engineer to heart surgeonWhy sternotomy isn’t as scary as it soundsHis unique method: unroofing + bypass for added protectionWhen provocative testing is useful—but not always requiredWhat to know about LIMA grafts and long-term outcomesWhy some cardiologists still dismiss this condition—and what he tells themThe importance of second opinions and listening to your gutHow insurance coding can make or break your surgery approvalPlus... Dr. Kwon’s life outside the OR, including his two standard poodles ????Guest Info:Dr. Christopher KwonCardiac Surgeon – Havasu Regional Medical Center, ArizonaPhone: 928-453-0890Contact info: https://www.havasuregional.com/find-a-doctor/provider/1225074867Resources:Website: www.myimperfectheart.comBook: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges – Now available on Amazon or any digital platform where you find your books/ebooks/audio books.Chapter Summaries(00:00) Cardiac Surgeon Discusses Myocardial BridgesDr. Kwon's journey to becoming a cardiac surgeon, his 21-year career, advancements in cardiac surgery, and treating myocardial bridges.(11:34) Bypass Graft and Competitive Flow DiscussionNature's intricacies of bypass grafts, specifically LEMA and its interaction with competitive flow, surgical strategies, and decision-making processes in complex cardiac surgeries.(20:14) Discussion on Myocardial Bridge TreatmentMyocardial bridging treatment, stenting and surgery, sudden cardiac death, patient self-advocacy, and maintaining well-being through family, pets,If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it.