OPEN HEART SURGERY

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a type of surgery that includes grafted artery or vein bypasses (that is, goes around) the blocked portion of the coronary artery and improves blood flow to the heart. This surgery is performed for patients who have severe blocked coronary artery disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease is a condition in which a substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries Plaque can narrow or block the coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

Why do I need this surgery?

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to improve quality of life and reduce cardiac-related mortality

How is it done?

A doctor numbs a spot on your groin or arm and inserts a small tube (catheter) into an artery.The catheter is threaded through the arterial system until it gets into a coronary (heart) artery. Watching and recording on a special X-ray screen, a very thin wire is crossed through the lesion and across the blockage. Over this wire, the balloon is inflated and pushes plaque to the side and opens the artery followed by stent placement to achieve good blood can flow more easily and helps keep the artery open.

Indication for this surgery

  • Triple vessel disease
  • Over 50% left main coronary artery stenosis.
  • Over 70% stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) and proximal circumflex arteries.
  • Three-vessel disease in asymptomatic patients or those with mild or stable angina.

Is CABG a major surgery?

CABG is a major surgery. Although low overall, the risk of serious complications is similar to coronary stenting. The recovery time can take weeks, even months. Newer less-invasive forms of CABG, with shorter recovery times, are under evaluation.

How long do CABG grafts last?

After surgery, most people feel better and might remain symptom-free for as long as 10 to 15 years. Over time, however, it’s possible that other arteries or even the new graft used in the bypass will become clogged, requiring another bypass or angioplasty

Is there any age limit to CABG/bypass heart surgery?

Early but not mid-term mortality is higher in patients aged 75 or more years when compared with those aged 70–74 years. Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is safe and effective in the elderly population.

POST CABG/ BY PASS HEART SURGERY CARE

Do's

  1. After heart surgery, your body must heal for several weeks
  2. During the day, balance your activity with rest times
  3. You may climb stairs with rest intermittent in between.
  4. Consult your surgeon before driving
  5. Shower daily

Don’t

  1. Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than 10 pounds for six weeks after surgery. this includes carrying children, groceries, suitcases, and moving furniture.
  2. Try not to take a lot of naps during the day.
  3. In the evening, avoid caffeine, including chocolate, coffee, tea, and some sodas.
  4. Don’t hold your breath during any activity, especially when lifting anything or when using the rest room.

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IF YOU'RE A CANDIDATE FOR CABG, THE GOALS OF HAVING THE SURGERY INCLUDE

  • Improving your quality of life and decreasing angina and other CHD symptoms
  • Allowing you to resume a more active lifestyle
  • Improving the pumping action of your heart if it has been damaged by a heart attack
  • Lowering the risk of a heart attack (in some patients, such as those who have diabetes)
  • Improving your chance of survival