What is bypass surgery/CABG?

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, or CABG, is one of the most frequently done major procedures all over the world. This operation is recommended for a restricted number of individuals who have severe heart artery narrowings and blockages. 

A segment of a blood vessel from the patient's leg, arm, or chest is used to bypass a constricted section of a coronary artery in this procedure. If someone has been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, the doctor may recommend a bypass procedure, which builds new routes around restricted and clogged arteries, allowing enough blood flow to provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, thereby improving blood supply. It is crucial to find the best hospital for bypass surgery.

What kind of preparation do you do for CABG surgery?

Before your surgery, you will need to undergo a series of examinations. The majority of these tests are performed so that your doctors may assess and compare your health prior to and following CABG surgery. Your doctors may be able to predict any particular needs based on the results of the testing. The tests must be completed days or weeks ahead of time in order to be ready on the day of your surgery.

Are there various forms of heart bypass surgery?

Depending on your health, the number of clogged arteries in your heart, and the amount of the damage, your doctor or nurse may recommend a sort of bypass surgery.
The following are the various forms of cardiac bypass surgery.

In a single bypass only one artery in the heart is blocked, two arteries are damaged in a double bypass, three arteries are affected in a triple bypass and quadruple bypass there are four arteries that have been injured.

If two or more arteries are obstructed, the procedure may take longer than expected or may necessitate medical intervention. The cost of heart bypass surgery in India varies depending on the type.

What are the precautions to be taken after heart bypass surgery?

After CABG, you'll need to see a doctor on a regular basis for follow-up care. During these appointments, tests such as stress testing, and an echocardiography may be conducted to determine how well your heart is working.

Because CABG is not a cure for coronary artery disease, you and your doctor may want to consider other options for keeping healthy and preventing CAD worsening. Develop a long-term care plan that includes lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and managing stress, among other things.

Why bypass surgery is done?

It is done when the arteries supplying blood to your heart are narrowed or blocked. It also lowers the risk of serious complications in people who are suffering from ischemic heart disease. In severe heart attacks, CABG may also be used as an emergency procedure.

How a bypass surgery is done?

The heart bypass surgery is done under general anaesthesia and drugs will be given to stop your heart, which helps the surgeon to operate on it while it's not beating. Medicines will be used to protect your heart function during the time that it's not beating. And you will be in the ventilator support that helps you in breathing during the procedure. The surgeon will take blood vessels from another part of the body and connect them to the blood vessels above and below the narrowed artery of your heart, bypassing the blocked coronary arteries. Depending on the severity and number of blockages, more than one blood vessel will be taken, mostly arteries from the arm or chest, or veins from the legs. 

Heart bypass surgery - FAQs

1) What tests are performed before undergoing a bypass surgery?

Before you have a heart bypass or another type of heart surgery, your doctor may prescribe some tests. The studies are being performed in order to make the surgery safer. A breathing test and a carotid ultrasonography examination are two typical tests.

2) What are the limitations following bypass surgery?

After your surgery, you should not drive for at least 4 to 6 weeks. The twisting required to turn the steering wheel may cause your incision to stretch. Inquire with your provider about when you can return to work, and plan on being out for 6 to 8 weeks. For at least 2 to 4 weeks, do not travel.

3) Can you live a normal life after bypass surgery?

After surgery, most people feel better and might remain symptom-free for as long as 10 to 15 years.

4) Can I climb stairs after bypass surgery?

Climbing stairs is okay, take rest halfway up the stairs if you need to.

5) Is it possible to bypass twice?

Patients who have undergone cardiac bypass surgery live longer and healthier lives. Even successful coronary artery bypasses may require a re-operation over time. 

6) How long does the heart bypass surgery procedure last?

This type of surgery usually takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. 

7) How long does it take for a patient to recover after the heart bypass surgery procedure?

You will be monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for one or two days after the surgery. During this time your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be checked regularly. Then you will be moved to your room and monitored for 3 to 5 days before going home.  You should be able to sit after 1 day, walk after 3 days, and walk up and downstairs after 5 or 6 days. A full recovery is seen within 12 weeks of the operation in most of the people.

8) How much does it cost?

In India, a heart bypass surgery usually costs anywhere between INR 275,000 and INR 425,000. In some cases, it may cost more than that, depending on the hospital, surgeon and other medical factors.