Bypass Surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery)

Bypass surgery is a type of heart surgery performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Arteries and veins from the suitable part of the patient's body are grafted to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic narrowing. This improves the circulation supplying blood to the coronary artery. The surgery is generally performed with the heart stopped, necessitating the usage of cardiopulmonary bypass; techniques are available to perform CABG on a beating heart, so-called "off-pump" surgery.

Why Surgery is performed?
The artery (coronary artery) that brings blood to the heart muscles may become clogged due to the plaque (a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances). This can slow or block the flow of blood through the heart's blood vessels, causing chest pain or a heart attack. Restoring or increasing blood flow to the heart muscle can relieve chest pain and reduce the risk of heart attack.

The major focus of the bypass surgery is to:

Who needs Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?
Coronary artery bypass surgery is only used to treat people who have severe coronary artery disease (CAD) that could lead to a heart attack. The doctor may recommend surgery if other treatments, such as lifestyle changes or medicines fail to control the situation. He or she may also recommend surgery if the patient has severe blockages in the large coronary arteries that supply a major part of the heart muscle with blood.

What to expect before bypass surgery?
Various tests are done to prepare the individual for coronary artery bypass grafting. These tests include blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram, chest x ray, cardiac catheterization, and angiography.

The doctor provides the patients with a specific set of instructions about how to prepare for surgery. There will be instructions about what to eat or drink, what medicines to take, and what activities to stop.

What to expect during surgery?
Coronary artery bypass surgery requires a team of experts. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs the surgery with support from an anesthesiologist, perfusionist (heart-lung machine specialist), other surgeons, and nurses.

There are several different types of bypass surgeries ranging from open heart surgery to a modern surgery in which small incisions are made to bypass the narrowed artery.

What to expect after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting recovery in the hospital?
You will have to spend 1 or 2 days under observation in ICU after surgery. The rate of heart beats and blood pressure will be continuously monitored during this time. Intravenous medicines (medicines injected through a vein) are often given to regulate blood circulation and pressure. You will then be moved to less intensive care area of the hospital for 3 to 5 days before being discharged.