Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

What is coronary artery bypass graft (Cabg)?

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, commonly known as Heart Bypass Surgery, is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. In this procedure, a surgeon creates new pathways (bypasses) around the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

benefits of coronary artery bypass grafting;

• Restored Blood Flow: CABG bypasses blocked or narrowed coronary arteries using grafts from other parts of the body, restoring proper blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps alleviate chest pain (angina) and improves heart function.

• Reduced Risk of Heart Attack: CABG reduces the risk of heart attacks by creating new pathways for blood to flow around blockages, preventing further damage to the heart muscle.

• Long-Lasting Results: CABG provides durable results, and the bypassed grafts can remain open and functional for many years.

• Multiple Blockages: CABG is effective for treating multiple coronary artery blockages or complex blockages that cannot be treated with less invasive procedures like angioplasty.

• Customized Approach: CABG allows surgeons to tailor the procedure to the individual patient's needs, considering factors like the location and severity of blockages.

• Stable Grafts: The grafts used in CABG are stable and less prone to sudden closure, reducing the need for frequent re-interventions.

• Enhanced Survival: CABG can significantly improve survival rates, especially in patients with severe coronary artery disease or multiple blockages.

What are the top 5 hEART Treatment hospitals in India?

• Manipal Hospitals

• Max Hospital

• Apollo Hospital

• Artemis Hospital

• Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Pre-procedure

• Evaluation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as angiography to identify the location and severity of blockages.

• Fasting: The patient is asked to fast for several hours before the surgery to reduce the risk of complications during anesthesia.

• Informed Consent: The healthcare team explains the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient, and obtains informed consent.

Procedure

• Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia, meaning they will be unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.

• Incision: A incision is made in the chest to access the heart. In some cases, a minimally invasive approach using smaller incisions may be used.

• Bypass Grafting: The surgeon attaches the prepared grafts to the blocked coronary arteries, creating new pathways for blood flow. This bypasses the blocked areas and restores proper blood supply to the heart.

• Closing Incisions: After completing the grafts, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or staples.

Post-procedure

• Recovery: After the surgery, the patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Later, they are moved to a regular hospital room for further recovery.

• Medications: Patients receive medications to manage pain, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of blood clots.

• Hospital Stay: The length of hospital stay varies, but most patients stay for several days to ensure a smooth recovery.