Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG)

<h2><span style="color: #00826a;">What is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?</span></h2>
<p>Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, also known as &#8220;bypass surgery&#8221; or &#8220;CABG&#8221; (pronounced &#8220;cabbage&#8221;), is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary heart disease. This condition occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become clogged with fatty deposits, leading to restricted blood flow to parts of the heart muscle.</p>
<p>During bypass surgery, the surgeon utilizes healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body, known as grafts, to create new pathways for blood flow. These grafts can be attached above and below a blockage, forming a bridge over it, or by redirecting an artery that supplies the chest muscle and attaching it to the heart. This allows blood to bypass the blockages and reach the previously underserved heart muscle.</p>
<p>In many cases, doctors first attempt a procedure called &#8220;stent placement&#8221; to address coronary heart disease. This involves inserting a thin plastic tube into the blocked artery and using a tiny balloon to open the blockage. A mesh tube called a &#8220;stent&#8221; is then left in the artery to keep it open. Bypass surgery is typically recommended for individuals with coronary heart disease who experience persistent chest pain unresponsive to medication or when stenting is not feasible or has failed. It is also considered for those with blockages that may pose a risk of heart attack or death.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00826a;">If your doctor recommends bypass surgery, it&#8217;s important to ask the following questions: </span></h2>
<ul>
<li>How will this procedure benefit me?</li>
<li>Will it increase my lifespan?</li>
<li>Will it reduce my risk of heart attack?</li>
<li>Will I experience greater improvement compared to medication alone?</li>
<li>What are the risks associated with this procedure for me?</li>
<li>What are the consequences of not undergoing this procedure?</li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="color: #00826a;">How do I prepare for bypass surgery?</span></h2>
<p>You will receive detailed instructions from the hospital on how to prepare for your surgery. Generally, you will need to fast starting from midnight before the surgery. You might also be required to discontinue certain medications several days before the procedure. Otherwise, your daily routine will not require significant changes before the surgery.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00826a;">What happens during bypass surgery?</span></h2>
<p>Before the surgery, you will be administered anesthesia to help you relax and induce unconsciousness, ensuring you are unaware of the surgical process. Once you are unconscious, the surgeon will make an incision in your breastbone and separate it to access your heart. The surgeon will then remove the necessary blood vessels that will be used as grafts, which may involve incisions in your arm, leg, belly, or within the chest itself.</p>
<p>To attach the grafts, the surgeon will temporarily stop your heart. During this time, a heart-lung machine will take over the heart&#8217;s function, maintaining blood circulation throughout your body. After attaching the grafts, the surgeon will restart your heart and discontinue the use of the heart-lung machine. Finally, the breastbone and skin will be closed.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s worth noting that a variation of bypass surgery called &#8220;minimally invasive bypass surgery&#8221; or &#8220;off-pump surgery&#8221; may be performed, which involves a smaller chest incision and is conducted while the heart is still beating. However, this approach is not suitable for all bypass situations and does not necessarily yield superior outcomes compared to traditional surgery.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00826a;">What happens after bypass surgery?</span></h2>
<p>Following the surgery, you will spend 1 to 2 days in an intensive care unit (ICU). During this time, you will be connected to monitoring machines that track your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing. As you recover, you will require fewer of these machines. You may also have various tubes to assist with breathing, urination, and other bodily functions, which will be gradually removed as your condition improves. Once you are ready, you will be transferred to a regular hospital room for a few more days.</p>
<p>You can expect soreness at the surgical site for 2 to 3 days, but pain medication will be provided to manage it. Additionally, you may have tubes draining fluid from your chest. It is normal to experience a diminished appetite, constipation, and difficulty sleeping in the days following surgery. Give yourself time to readjust and return to normal.</p>
<p>If a graft was taken from your leg, you may notice swelling in that leg after the surgery. Elevating the leg and using compression stockings can help alleviate the swelling.</p>
<h2><span style="color: #00826a;">What problems can occur after bypass surgery?</span></h2>
<p>Although most individuals recover well from bypass surgery, there are potential complications that can arise. The likelihood of experiencing these complications depends on various factors, so it&#8217;s important to discuss your specific risks with your doctor. In general, the most serious risks associated with bypass surgery include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Excessive bleeding</li>
<li>Heart attack</li>
</ul>


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