Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

As the words indicate, a bypass means going around. In the case of a coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, it involves taking a blood vessel from one part of the body, usually the chest, leg or arm, and attaching it to the coronary artery. This is usually done above and below the narrowed area or blockage. The new blood vessel is known as a graft. At Dr. Smruti Hindaria's HeartMate Clinic, a significant number of coronary artery bypass grafts and redo coronary artery bypass grafts are performed.

This is a surgical procedure to treat coronary heart disease (CAD) and it can relieve chest ,pain caused by this condition. Other benefits of the surgery are , it slows down the progression of the disease while increasing life expectancy.

There are two main approaches to a CABG, namely, using cardio-pulmonary bypass machine and the other is an off-pump coronary bypass surgery (OPCAB). Angina is a common symptom of CAD; a coronary artery bypass aims to improving the quality of your life by relieving angina.

Coronary artery bypass surgery

Is this a major surgery? Yes, it is since it means the atheromatous blockages in a patient’s coronary arteries are bypasssed using harvested venous or arterial conduits. The surgery usually lasts for three-six hours although it can take longer, depending on the number of blood vessels that are being attached. The blood vessels can be harvested from the leg, chest or arm.The surgeries are carried out by the Best Heart Specialists in Pune.

This surgery is performed to restore blood flow around blocked arteries of the heart. It can be done as an emergency treatment for a heart attack if other medical treatment has not worked. Recovery time from a bypass surgery usually takes six-eight weeks and can go up to three months. The success rate is about 96-97 per cent, according to reports from all over the world.

The risk of mortality from this kind of procedure is very low despite it being an intensive surgery. There was one study done in the US in 2013 which showed an in-hospital mortality rate of under 3 per cent. The surgery carries a risk of complications, like all surgeries. These are usually minor or treatable like bleeding or irregular heart beat or a wound infection. There is also a risk of serious complications like a stroke or a heart attack.

CABG followed by physiotherapy , medications and lifestyle changes ( diet , sleep, exercise , addictions , etc ) increases symptom free survival and longevity. Arterial grafts last longer than venous grafts. When all the arterial grafts are used ( left and right internal thoracic artery , radial artery ) , it is called Total Arterial Grafting or revascularization ( TAR).

The surgery reduces and completely relieves angina symptoms in patients. Visit us now to meet the Best cardiologist in Pune.

FAQ'S

Blood is transported from the heart to the body's veins. However, arteries rarely become clogged. When this happens, surgeons create a new path around the blockage. The term "bypass graft surgery" is used by doctors. It makes use of a moving blood vessel from a different body area.
Bypass surgery is typically needed when there is significant blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.
The duration of bypass surgery varies, but it typically takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity and the number of coronary artery bypass grafts needed.
Our cardiologist will assess your condition and recommend surgery if conservative treatments are insufficient. Common indications include severe blockages, valve dysfunction, and congenital heart abnormalities.
Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions, leading to shorter recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort compared to traditional open-heart surgery.
Recovery varies, but patients often return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of surgery and individual factors.