Coronary Artery Bypass(Heart Bypass) Surgery

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) is a surgical method performed to improve the flow of blood & oxygen to the heart muscle. The narrowing of the coronary arteries hinders the blood flow through the blood vessels of the heart and can cause a heart attack. The major reason behind the blockage of arteries is the accumulation of fatty substances and cholesterol over a period of time. The surgery helps in re-routing blood to the heart muscles, relieving chest pain and improves function of the heart muscles.

Who Should Consider Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?

People diagnosed with arterial blockage or heart damage are recommended with the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.
People suffering from severe chest pain or angina due to the arterial blockage are recommended with the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.
People suffering from complicated conditions such as diabetes & high blood pressure are recommended the Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery to reduce the risk of heart attack.
Constant or large amount of bleeding from the site of insertion.

What to Expect After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery ?

Post surgery, you will be kept in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a short period of time (1 to 2 days). In the ICU, you will undergo following things:

Perpetual scrutinizing of the functioning of the heart muscles
A temporary tube will be attached to help you with breathing
A thin plastic tube is inserted into the neck vein and roped down into the heart & the pulmonary artery to check the flow of blood & oxygen in the heart.
A tube is inserted to remove stomach emanation until you return to a normal diet
A catheter is inserted to drain the bladder and measure urine output
A tube is attached to the veins in the arms through which liquid, nutrition and medication is given
A catheter is directly placed into the artery to measure blood pressure
A tube is inserted into the chest to drain the fluid & blood

Benefits of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Some of the potential benefits of Coronary Bypass Heart Surgery (CABG) include :

Lower risk of stroke
Lower death rate
Less need for transfusion
Less heart rhythm problems
Less injury to the heart

Procedure for Coronary Bypass Surgery

During a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG), the blood flow is re-routed around the clogged artery by detaching a long segment of an artery from the chest wall, arms or leg veins. Thereafter, the new artery is grafted to the clogged area of the coronary artery. Through the newly attached channel, blood gets unhindered route to flow to the heart muscles. This procedure is known as Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Depending upon the number of blocked coronary arteries, a patient may undergo more than one bypass graft.

How long does Coronary Bypass Surgery take ?

A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) procedure generally takes 3 to 5 hours but it can vary depending upon the number of arteries that needs to be bypassed.

Post Operative Care for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Post the surgical procedure, you’ll spend 1 or 2 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Here, your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels is regularly checked throughout the recuperation period. Thereafter, you will be transferred to a traditional hospital room, where you’ll stay for next 4 to 5 days before being discharged. The recuperation may last anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks following the CABG surgery including home care & regular follow-ups with the doctor.