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Let us simplify the meaning of cardiac surgery. It involves several procedures to treat heart conditions. Amongst them, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) has turned into a prevalent and transformative method.
So, it is time to deep dive into CABG. You need to have a basic understanding of the method. Discussed in this blog are some details about CABG including the process, its significance, its benefits, recovery, and its long-term impact on cardiac health.
Synopsis
What Is CABG?
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure. It can improve blood flow to your heart. An expert cardiologist recommends CABG to patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD causes plaque buildup. This results in blockage or narrowing of coronary arteries. Hence, oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle gets obstructed.
The primary indications of this condition are:
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Heart attacks
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Heart failure
Why Is CABG Needed?
It may be needed for the following reasons:
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Severe Blockages: When coronary artery blockages are extensive, an angioplasty or stenting cannot be a suitable treatment for that.
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Symptom Relief: When medications cannot alleviate angina-like symptoms.
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Improved Heart Function: CABG can enhance the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. It can also reduce heart complications.
The CABG Procedure
To determine your suitability for the procedure, doctors run certain tests. This includes:
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Blood tests,
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Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
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Imaging studies
The report shows your heart condition and identifies suitable grafts.
The procedure takes place under general anaesthesia.
The first step of this procedure is a median sternotomy. It means a vertical incision down the centre of the chest. Alternatively, minimally invasive techniques can also be used.
Next, a specialised cardiologist will harvest arteries or veins from your other body parts to use as grafts. These harvested grafts are then attached to the aorta and the coronary artery beyond the blockage. This creates a new pathway for blood flow to bypass the blocked or narrowed segments. Finally, the incisions will be closed. You will be sent to the ICU for close and accurate monitoring.
Common sources of arteries or veins CABG include:
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Internal Mammary Artery (IMA): The internal mammary artery, also known as the internal thoracic artery anatomically, is the closest artery to the heart. It supplies the anterior chest wall and the breast. This artery is considered the gold-standard choice for a graft in the majority of the cases as it offers superior long-term patency, better blood flow, and lower risk of atherosclerosis compared to vein grafts. The IMA is also more durable and has improved long-term outcomes, significantly reducing the chances of repeat procedures.
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Saphenous Vein: The saphenous vein is easily accessible during surgery and is often the commonly used blood vessel for harvesting without causing significant issues for the patient. The vein is large enough and provides adequate blood flow to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Since the vein is easily accessible, it does not require any additional surgeries or procedures for harvesting and is thus cost-effective.
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Radial Artery: The Radial Artery is an artery located in the forearm that is used as a graft in CABG when IMA or saphenous veins are not suitable. The radial artery offers good long-term graft patency. Moreover, similar to the IMA, the radial artery is also less prone to developing atherosclerosis, provides more consistent and efficient blood flow to the heart, and is durable as a graft.
Understanding the Benefits of CABG
You may wonder, won’t this procedure be hectic? Well, let us tell you their advantages to clarify that.
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Improved blood flow
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Enhanced quality of life
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Reduced risk of heart attacks
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After the procedure, you will have to stay a certain number of days in the hospital. It is absolutely necessary for proper pain management and wound care. During this time, you will also be monitored for possible complications. For example, infections or bleeding.
Your cardiac rehabilitation phase will include:
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Supervised exercise programmes will help you rebuild strength and endurance.
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You will receive dietary guidance on heart-healthy eating.
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You will be taught to manage risk factors. This mainly includes adopting heart-healthy habits.
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Your doctor will prescribe a specific home care plan. You must rigorously follow that. This may include:
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Medications
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Activity Restrictions
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Understanding the Long-Term Impact on Cardiac Health
To enjoy these benefits for the long term, you must follow certain steps.
1. Lifestyle Changes
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Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle is vital. Key changes include:
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Focus on low-fat and low-sodium foods.
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Consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Exercise regularly.
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Quit smoking.
2. Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up appointments with an experienced cardiologist are essential. This ensures:
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Proper functioning of the grafts.
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Regular monitoring of your heart health.
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Detecting any potential issues.
3. Medication Management
Whatever medications are prescribed to you, follow them. Be consistent with their dosage until your doctor modifies them. This will control the risk factors and prevent complications.
4. Post-CABG Care Tips
Recovery from a CABG requires the right care this can be achieved by:
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Monitoring the vital signs, pain management, and optimum wound care to avoid infection at the site of surgery.
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Regaining strength through gradual physical activity
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Following all medications as per the prescription
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Follow-up visits with the cardiologist for continued recuperation and heart function monitoring.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Several factors increase the likelihood of requiring CABG. For example:
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If you have a family history of heart disease.
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If you are a smoker.
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If you follow a poor diet.
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If you are physically inactive.
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If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, etc.
There are a few preventive measures that prioritize heart health and help reduce your chances of needing CABG:
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Adopt heart-healthy habits - Lifestyle modification is the most effective way to prioritize your heart health. Heart healthy habits include:
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Dietary modification: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is considered a heart healthy diet. Additionally, it is important to limit consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol to reduce plaque buildup in arteries.
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Physical Activity: Top cardiologists recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week to maintain optimum heart health.
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Stress Management: Manage your stress with stress reducing techniques such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises and activities like yoga, or meditation.
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Quit Smoking: Quitting smoking greatly reduces heart disease risk.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is one of the significant risk factors for heart disease. A healthy weight improves heart health.
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Limit Alcohol: Quitting alcohol consumption or drinking in moderation can help prevent high blood pressure and other heart disease risks.
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Do not miss your appointments with your doctor. This will ensure the detection of risks quite early.
FAQ's
CABG uses a healthy artery or vein from another body part. This creates a new pathway around a blocked coronary artery. This bypass allows blood to flow freely to your heart muscle.
CABG is typically recommended for severe coronary artery disease (CAD). The indications especially include the following:
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Multiple blocked arteries
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Severe chest pain (angina)
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No response to other available treatments
Diabetes or high risk of heart attacks also makes one a candidate for CABG.
Recovery from CABG surgery usually takes several weeks to a few months. You will spend a few days in the hospital. You will be asked to resume normal activities gradually. Exercise, diet changes, and lifestyle modifications will also be recommended. Regular follow-ups with your doctor will ensure safety.
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