Coronary artery bypass surgery, often called CABG (pronounced 'cabbage'), creates a new route for blood to flow around a blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This procedure involves using a healthy blood vessel, often taken from the chest, arm, or leg, to bypass the blockage. The new blood flow restores oxygen supply to the heart muscle, reducing symptoms such as chest pain and improving overall heart function.
While the surgery doesn't cure the underlying heart condition like atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, it alleviates symptoms and reduces the risk of life-threatening complications such as heart attacks.
Your healthcare provider may suggest coronary artery bypass surgery if:
As with any major surgery, there are risks involved. These may include:
Before the surgery:
Certain factors, like diabetes, kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can increase the risk of complications.
Coronary artery bypass surgery typically lasts 3 to 6 hours and involves the following steps:
General Anesthesia is administered, ensuring you're in a sleep-like state.
A breathing tube is inserted and connected to a ventilator.
If on-pump surgery is performed, a heart-lung machine takes over the heart's functions while the heart is temporarily stopped.
A section of a healthy blood vessel, called a graft, is attached to bypass the blockage.
Some advanced approaches include:
Off-pump or beating-heart surgery, which doesn't use a heart-lung machine.
Minimally invasive bypass surgery, performed through small incisions instead of opening the chest.
Post-surgery care involves close monitoring and gradually resuming activities:
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
Recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. You can return to daily activities, including driving, work, or exercise, as advised by your doctor.
Most people experience significant relief from symptoms and improved quality of life after coronary artery bypass surgery. However, grafts or arteries may narrow again over time.
To maintain your heart health:
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