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 surgeon
• Why sternotomy isn’t as scary as it sounds
• His unique method: unroofing + bypass for added protection
• When provocative testing is useful—but not always required
• What to know about LIMA grafts and long-term outcomes
• Why some cardiologists still dismiss this condition—and what he tells them
• The importance of second opinions and listening to your gut
• How insurance coding can make or break your surgery approval
• Plus... Dr. Kwon’s life outside the OR, including his two standard poodles ????

Guest Info:

Dr. Christopher Kwon

Cardiac Surgeon – Havasu Regional Medical Center, Arizona

Phone: 928-453-0890

Contact info: https://www.havasuregional.com/find-a-doctor/provider/1225074867

Resources:

• Website: www.myimperfectheart.com
• Book: 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 Bridges

Dr. 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 Discussion

Nature'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 Treatment

Myocardial bridging treatment, stenting and surgery, sudden cardiac death, patient self-advocacy, and maintaining well-being through family, pets, and nature.

(34:52) Bypass and Unroofing Procedure Discussion

Dr. Kwon shares insights on unroofing bypass surgery, making complex medical information accessible and concludes with a light-hearted exchange about his dogs.