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Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) is a surgical procedure to treat severe coronary artery disease. While it does not cure the underlying cause of the disease, it reduces heart disease-related deaths and also alleviates symptoms like chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath.
During the procedure, a surgeon creates a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked artery in the heart. This is achieved by taking a healthy blood vessel, typically from the chest or leg, and connecting it to the coronary artery below the blockage. This bypass improves the blood flow to the heart muscles.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Mukundapur, is often performed as an emergency intervention when other treatment options fail to treat a heart attack. Being an open-heart surgery, CABG carries higher risks, especially when performed as an emergency intervention. It is important to note that while CABG improves blood flow and relieves symptoms, it does not prevent future blocks in the heart arteries.
The heart conditions that may require a CABG intervention are:
Individuals with coronary artery disease and chest pain that does not go away with medications
Patients with heart attacks caused by blocks that cannot be treated with Angioplasty
Individuals with multiple coronary artery blocks
Patients with life-threatening arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes
Heart failure patients
Patients who have had unsuccessful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
The symptoms of coronary artery disease are:
Chest pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Irregular heart rhythm
Heart palpitations
Swelling in the hands and feet
You may not experience any symptoms during the early stages of coronary artery disease. As coronary artery disease continues to advance, you may experience symptoms. When the blood supply to your heart muscle reduces or stops, you may develop a heart attack.
If CABG is performed as an elective surgery, you may have to make modifications to your lifestyle, diet, and medications before the surgery. Additionally, you will be required to undergo blood and heart tests before the procedure. You will also have to undergo imaging studies like a chest X-ray, electrocardiography (ECG), and coronary angiography before the procedure.
All CABG procedures are performed under general anaesthesia. A breathing machine and a heart-lung machine may be required during the procedure to assist you with breathing or blood circulation while the surgeon operates on the heart vessels.
A long incision is made at the centre of the chest along the breast bone. Once the chest is open and the heart is visible, the heart is stopped with medications, and the heart-lung machine is turned on.
A healthy section of blood vessels (grafts) from within the chest wall or lower leg is removed and attached below the blocked artery. Therefore, it creates an alternate pathway for blood to flow to the heart muscle. The procedure allows for the placement of more than one graft.
At the end of the procedure, the surgeon restores your heartbeat and stops the heart-lung machine. The chest is sutured back.
You will have to remain in the ICU for 1 to 2 days. The healthcare team will monitor you closely to look for any signs of complications and assess your breathing, heart rhythm, and temperature. Medications will be administered via IV (intravenously) to control pain and prevent blocks. Once you stabilise, the care team will refer you to cardiac rehabilitation.
CABG has several benefits, which include:
Clears multiple blockages or blockages in main arteries
Lower risk for follow-up procedures
As CABG is a major surgery, there are chances of developing several complications. However, there are ways to prevent or manage these issues.
Irregular heart rhythm: This is a common complication of CABG, which increases the patient’s risk of developing stroke. However, the risk of the complication is only temporary.
Bleeding during or after surgery.
Blood clots can cause strokes, and heart or lung problems.
Infection at the incision site.
Confusion or delirium.
Kidney failure.
Stroke.
Heart attack.
Failure of the graft.
Pneumonia.
Breathing problems.
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Death.
It will take several months to completely recover after the procedure. During recovery, you are advised to avoid any strenuous activity or lifting heavy objects that could stress your heart.
During your recovery, you should take care of the following:
Take medication regularly: It is very important to take your medication regularly as prescribed. You need to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Cardiac rehabilitation: It helps with faster recovery after the procedure. The rehabilitation involves guided exercises that safely improve heart function.
Take care of mental health: Individuals who undergo CABG often experience anxiety and depression. Therefore, taking care of your mental health is important after surgery.
Lifestyle modifications: To prevent future blocks, you may have to make changes in your diet and exercise. Additionally, you will be advised to quit smoking, reduce stress, get cholesterol or blood pressure under control, and consume a heart-healthy diet.
Patients who have undergone CABG procedures can lead an active and healthy life. However, it does not prevent the coronary arteries from narrowing or getting blocked in the future. Hence, you must regularly exercise, consume a healthy diet, and quit smoking to keep yourself healthy.
In the following situations, you should seek medical attention:
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness or fainting
Heart palpitations
Fever or chills
Fast heart rate
Bleeding, swelling, or redness around the incision
Persistent pain at the incision site
Arm and leg numbness or leg swelling
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