Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery- Cardiology
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a medical procedure that is used to treat patients with severe coronary heart disease (CHD). A CHD is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner wall of the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
When arteries becomes thickened and narrowed, they lessen the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, and you may experience angina or severe chest pain.
When blood clots block the blood flow inside the coronary artery, it may cause a heart attack.
Coronary artery bypass grafting is the only one treatment for CHD. It is done by grafting a healthy vein to the blocked coronary artery to create a new way for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle.
Doctors can bypass multiple coronary arteries during one medical procedure.
Why is coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery required?
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the treatment for patients with blocked arteries in severe coronary heart disease which could lead to a sudden heart attack.
Your doctor may suggest CABG if different treatments, such as lifestyle changes or medical treatments, haven't worked. For severe blockages in the large coronary (heart) arteries, CABG is also recommended.
If angioplasty cannot treat heart blockages, CABG is the last option.
Other factors that may be considered to receive CABG surgery include:
- Presence and severity of symptoms
- Seriousness and area of blockages
- Reaction to different treatments
- Lifestyle
- Any other medical issues
CABG might be done on an emergency premise, for example, during a heart attack.
Which doctor to consult?
Talk to a cardiologist or a cardiovascular surgeon, who will explain to you about the procedure, the risks and after-care.
What to expect during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
CABG surgery has two main types. One is the traditional method in which the chest is opened to access the heart, and the other is nontraditional, which is done with small incisions or cuts to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery.
Post-operative care
1-2 days will be required in the intensive care unit. There will be a breathing tube in your throat until the patient wakes up and can breathe on their own. The doctor may then start cardiac rehabilitation while in the hospital for a fact recovery. Patients may be discharged from the hospital after a week, and will be advised on take-home advice of the health care team after discharge. Full recovery takesr 6 to 12 weeks.
Complications
Some uncommon and non-serious complications may include fever, fast heart rate, pain in the chest wound or bleeding in the chest wound. Talk to your doctor about your risks.
References
- Cardiac Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). (2019). Retrieved from https://cardiacsurgery.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/coronary-artery-bypass-grafting-(cabg).aspx
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (2019). Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/coronary-artery-bypass-grafting
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