Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, also known as bypass surgery or “cabbage,” is a procedure that improves blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a standard Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) treatment, where plaque buildup narrows or blocks the coronary arteries and vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Delve into this comprehensive guide to know everything about CABG surgery. You will learn deeply about understanding the reasons behind the disease and the recovery process.
Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
The heart muscle constantly needs oxygen-rich blood to function correctly. The coronary arteries take responsibility for delivering this essential blood to the heart. However, when fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the coronary arteries, blood flow to the heart is reduced. This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to a heart attack.
When is CABG Surgery Recommended?
Proper medications and a lifestyle change can improve blood flow to the heart. This might improve these symptoms in the human body. However, if changes are not visible or mild symptoms start turning into severe ones, CABG surgery might be recommended by professional experts in some of these situations:
- If medications and lifestyle changes are not adequately improving the blood flow to the heart.
- If your body suffers from severe blockages in multiple coronary arteries.
- If a patient has a blockage in the left main coronary artery, which supplies a large area of the heart muscle.
Types of CABG Surgery
There are two main types of CABG surgery:
On-pump CABG: is the traditional method for treating irregular blood flow in the body. During surgery, a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the heart’s function while the surgeon stops the heart and grafts the bypasses.
Off-pump CABG: This minimally invasive technique bypasses arteries while the heart beats. It might only be suitable for some, but it offers faster recovery times in certain cases.
The CABG Surgery Process
- Pre-Surgery
Consultation: Before deciding to undergo CABG surgery, you should consult professional experts and discuss your medical history, symptoms, and risks.
Tests: You’ll undergo angiography, coronary artery CT scan, or echocardiogram to assess the extent of blockage and heart function.
Medications: Your doctor may adjust your medications to optimize your health before surgery.
During Surgery
Anesthesia: You’ll receive general anesthesia to be unconscious during the procedure. This will help your body to remain unconscious from the pain during the surgery.
Incision: The surgeon makes a long incision down the center of your chest and spreads open the rib cage.
Bypass Grafting: A healthy blood vessel, often from the chest wall (internal mammary artery) or leg vein (saphenous vein), is harvested. One end of the graft is attached to the aorta (the main artery leaving the heart), and the other to the coronary artery beyond the blockage. This will create a new pathway for blood flow.
Closure: Once the grafts are in place, the chest is closed using wires or sutures to reattach the breastbone and stitches to close the skin.
- Post-Surgery
Recovery: You might need to spend several days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and then move to a regular hospital room for further monitoring and recovery.
Pain Management: You will receive pain relieving medication to manage discomfort.
Physical Therapy: You will begin physical therapy to learn breathing exercises and movements to strengthen your chest and improve lung function.
Discharge: After a successful recovery, you’ll be discharged home with instructions for medication, wound care, activity restrictions, and rehabilitation.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation
The recovery period after CABG surgery differs from 6 to 12 weeks. During this time, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions
- Medication: Continue taking your prescribed medications as directed.
- Wound Care: Keep the incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Diet and Exercise: Gradually increase physical activity and maintain a heart-healthy diet.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: Participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program to rebuild strength and stamina.
- Emotional Wellbeing: After a major surgery, it’s normal to experience emotional changes. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your doctor, a therapist, or support groups.
Risks and Complications of CABG Surgery
As with any surgery, CABG carries some risks, such as:
- Infection: There is a chance of infection at the site of incision, just like with any operation. A small skin infection to a more serious internal infection can happen after this surgery if it is not done correctly under the experts and professionals.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding could be a potential consequence of this surgery. Blood transfusions and, in extreme circumstances, reoperations may result from this.
- Stroke: Due to the manipulation of the heart, there might be a little chance of a stroke. When the brain’s blood supply is cut off, this happens.
- Renal Issues: CABG may momentarily impair renal function. Although this is easily curable. However, in certain instances, it may result in more severe renal problems.
- Irregular Heartbeats (Arrhythmias): An irregular heartbeat can result from surgery-related disruption to the heart’s electrical circuitry. These can be moderate to severe, and correcting them might include medicine or further treatments.
It is imperative that you and your physician go over these risks and discuss them in detail before the treatment. Although these side effects are possible, many patients experience full recovery and good results following CABG surgery.
Post CABG Surgery
Following a successful CABG surgery, you can significantly improve your quality of life and heart health. Here are some key points to remember:
- Maintain Healthy Habits and continue a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Adhere to your doctor’s medication regimen to control cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent blood clots.
- Schedule regular check-ups and follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your heart health.
Takeaway
India’s top valve surgeons are equipped to provide the highest quality of care. If you want to choose a CBAC surgery surgeon, Dr Udgeath Dhir is the best choice for cardiac care. With global recognition and patient testimonials, he provides trustable and reliable coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Udgeath Dhir is your CBAC surgeon for your Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery.
