HOSPITEN's Cardiovascular Surgery Department, headed by Dr. Rafael Llorens, is the pioneer in Spain in coronary revascularisation surgery (Bypass) performed under epidural anaesthetic and, therefore, with the patient awake. The epidural anaesthetic produces a motor and sensory block through an epidural catheter inserted between C7-T1 and administering a solution of local anaesthetics. The procedure is performed through a small incision (left-hand mini-sternotomy). Patients are conscious at all times: it is possible to speak to them and assess their neurological state. Epidural analgesia is maintained for the first 24 hours after surgery. There are multiple advantages in this kind of surgery:  It significantly reduces the average stay in Intensive Care (which is under 24 hours), as well as the hospital stay (under 5 days).  It minimises complications (such as tachycardia and arrhythmia during the operation), and is particularly recommended for patients with contraindications for general anaesthetic and/or mechanical intubation-ventilation. It helps considerably in controlling post-operative pain and discomfort.