One Small Incision, Life-Changing Results | Minimally Invasive Bypass at Baptist Health

At 76 years old, world traveler and avid golfer John Zells never imagined that mild “acid reflux” symptoms were actually signs of a dangerous cardiac blockage. After a routine exam revealed over 90% blockage in his widow-maker artery, John was referred to Dr. JT McGinn III, a cardiac surgeon with Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care, specializing in minimally invasive multi-vessel bypass surgery.

Instead of traditional open-heart surgery which requires breaking the breastbone and a long recovery Dr. McGinn, III offered a minimally invasive thoracotomy technique performed through a small incision between the ribs. John experienced no major pain, no broken bones, and was back on the golf course in just three weeks.

Dr. McGinn, III is among a select group of surgeons worldwide able to perform multi-vessel revascularization using this technique, with more than 300 successful procedures performed at Baptist Health.

John’s story is a reminder that heart symptoms can often be subtle and early detection can save your life.

What Makes This Procedure Different?

-No broken breastbone
-Smaller incision + faster recovery
-Same outcomes as traditional bypass
-Ideal for active patients wanting quicker return to daily life
-Specialized expertise available at Baptist Health

Featured Experts:
Joseph “JT” McGinn III, M.D.
Cardiac Surgeon, Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care
Expert in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and multi-vessel bypass
https://baptisthealth.net/doctors/jos...


00:00 – Patient Story: John’s Heart Health Wake-Up Call
00:32 – Misinterpreting Heart Symptoms as Reflux
00:50 – Calcium Score Leads to Catheterization
01:00 – Widow-Maker Blockage Discovered
01:20 – Why John Qualified for Minimally Invasive Bypass
01:45 – Dr. McGinn’s Unique Surgical Technique
02:00 – Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
02:18 – Recovery: Pain-Free & Rapid Return to Activity
02:21 – Golfing 21 Days After Surgery
02:36 – Understanding Silent Heart Disease
03:03 – John’s Recommendation: Baptist Health Heart & Vascular Care

https://baptisthealth.net/services/he...