Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is one of the major operations used for treating CAD is coronary artery bypass grafting. This is a condition whereby the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. The process helps restore blood supply to the heart muscle by bypassing blocked arteries.

Types of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery procedures

There are various types of CABG procedures:

Traditional CABG: Blood flow is re-routed during the surgery with the use of a heart-lung bypass machine. It is indicated in complicated cases of multiple arteries.
Off-pump CABG does not make use of a heart-lung bypass machine; the person evades some risks intrinsic in on-pump CABG. This one is the preferred route for people with certain medical cases, which would not put up with the bypass machine.
Minimally Invasive CABG: It includes smaller incisions along with specialized tools that cause less trauma to the chest and generally results in quicker recovery times. Typically, it is indicated in patients with single-vessel diseases.

Need for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Procedures

Coronary artery bypass grafting may be indicated in patients who present with the following:

Recurrent chest pain on the basis of angina that is significantly interfering with daily activities despite being on optimal medical therapy.
Severe blockages of coronary arteries for which drugs or coronary interventions like angioplasty and stenting prove inadequate
A high risk of myocardial infarction due to advanced disease of the coronary arteries, especially in the case of involvement of the main left coronary or several major vessels

Preparing for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Patient's Evaluation: Before performing the surgery, an extensive evaluation is carried out, comprising the following:
Detailed examination of the patient's history
Thorough physical examination
Diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and coronary angiography are carried out to assess the heart's structure and function and also to estimate the extent of blockages in the arteries.

Pre-operative Instructions: The following instructions shall be given to the patient regarding:

Medications: The physician may ask the patient to either taper or stop certain medications to have the optimum functioning of the heart and minimize operative risks associated with cardiac surgery.
Fasting: Instructions regarding fasting are provided to the patient to avoid any discomfort during anesthesia.
Lifestyle modifications: Advise smoking cessation, dietary modification for better health and stress management to improve general health and recovery.
Investigations and Imaging: Imaging modalities like CTA or MRI may be undertaken to get an anatomical detail of fine structures before surgery.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery procedure

Administration of Anesthesia Vertebrae: The patient will be under general anesthesia, which induces sleep and makes one oblivious to the pain during the surgery.
Incision: This may be a vertical or horizontal incision to open up to the heart.
Harvesting Grafts: Veins or arteries, among others, from the leg or chest will be taken to formulate the bypass grafts.
Bypass Grafting: The surgeon will graft and bypass blood flow using the patched graft onto the blocked coronary arteries to enable good blood supply to the heart muscle.
Closure: Suturing or stapling the chest incision once the grafting is done.
Recovery: The patient is closely monitored in the ICU to relieve post-operative pain and for stable recovery.

Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery care

Recovery:

• After the surgery, patients are usually hospitalized for a few days during which the following care is provided.
• Glucose, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and cardiac rhythm monitoring
  Analgesia to treat post-operative pain and distress
• Early ambulation and respiratory exercises to ensure no complications like pneumonia occur

Medications and Follow-Up: In the post-operative setting, following is done:
Medications: Anticoagulants are given to the patient, along with beta blockers to widen blood flow and analgesics to provide comfort for the faster healing process, which would help in preventing blood clots.

Follow-up: Follow-up visits are asked from the cardiac surgeon as well as the cardiologist for getting records of recovery, adjustment in medications, and management during a Prolonged period.

Lifestyle modifications: Heart healthy lifestyle is advocated. Patients are subjected to:
- A balanced low saturated fat and cholesterol diet
- Regular physical activity as directed by their healthcare providers.
- Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke exposure.
- Practice relaxation techniques or undergo counseling to minimize stress. 

Risks and Complications

Although CABG is relatively a safe surgical procedure, some of its potential risks and complications are the following:

- Infection at the incision site
- Bleeding that may need blood transfusion
- Development of abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias
- Stroke or other neurological sequelae
- Kidney failure
- Wound healing was not proper
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia

Success Rates and Outcomes

Most patients undergoing CABG procedures report relief from angina symptoms and improved quality of life, as well as a reduced risk of heart attack. In appropriately selected patients, results are pretty good in the long run; many patients derive improved heart function and prolonged survival after surgery.

Conclusion

Why choose Continental Hospitals for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Expert Team: Our huge experience in cardio-vascular surgery is backed by committed medical staff so as to yield the best care.
State-of-the-art technology: We leverage top-notch technology and newest techniques like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement to deliver the best.
Comprehensive Care: Maintains that patients are provided with personalized care and empathy from diagnosis to recovery.

Dr. Arun Kanala is a well-known thoracic surgeon who specializes in advanced cardiac treatments and has performed over 2000 thoracic surgeries in his career. His areas of specialization include unilateral VATS, open lobectomies, and difficult diaphragm procedures. He received his training at Harvard Medical School from prominent surgeons, and he is available for consultations at all hours.

Dr. Vivek Babu Bojjawar, the best cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad with over 15 years of experience, excels in heart surgeries. Specializing in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, coronary surgeries, and complex adult cardiac procedures, he has performed over 3000 successful cases. His expertise includes off-pump CABG, total arterial revascularization, valve repairs, and aortic surgeries.