Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a type of cardiac surgery performed to treat Coronary Artery Disease, a medical condition caused by lack of blood supply to heart muscles, this happens due to narrowing and fat deposition in blood vessels. In India, coronary artery disease has become one of the major medical conditions affecting the population below 60 years of age. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is popularly known as Coronary bypass surgery. Department of Cardiac Sciences at Aster Medcity, Kochi offers Coronary bypass surgery with the help of modern technology and experienced cardiac surgeon.

Who needs to undergo Coronary bypass surgery?

Sometimes Coronary bypass surgery is suggested to you by the cardiac surgeon if you have severe coronary artery disease and experience symptoms like;

• Severe Chest pain
• Cardiac arrhythmias or Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath

People who have Coronary artery disease are prone to developing blood clots, which, in turn, could lead to a heart attack.

There are some other factors taken into consideration when planning for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) for instance, past medical & surgical history, age and family history.

Tests to be done prior to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Following tests are done prior to heart surgery to identify the blocked arteries:

• Blood tests - to check anemia, clotting time, kidney and liver function
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• X-ray of the chest to view the size and shape of the aorta, heart, and lungs
• Cardiac catheterization to identify the location of the blockages
• Echocardiogram
• Stress test

General guidelines for patients preparing for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

• The patient is advised to stop smoking before cardiac surgery
• Discontinue any vitamins or mineral supplements as it may affect the bleeding time, please consult with your cardiac surgeon in this regard.
• Avoid drinking and eating after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Some medicines may affect the bleeding time and drugs given for anesthesia, do let your heart surgeon about it.
• Arrange transportation on the day of Coronary bypass surgery. You are advised to be accompanied by a near one to help you with minor tasks.

About the procedure

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a 3-6 hour long cardiac surgery, the duration of Coronary bypass surgery depends upon various factors i.e. location of the graft, number of blood vessels considered for bypass, overall medical condition of the patient. In Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body known as the ‘graft’ for the procedure usually taken from chest, leg or arm. The graft is then attached to the coronary artery above and below of the narrowed part or blockage.

About seven days of hospital stay is required after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Usually patient will be able to walk and start breathing exercises within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, this would help decrease the risk of lung complications. Solid food can be resumed within two days.

Medications after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Your cardiac surgeon will recommend medicines to manage pain, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, drugs to reduce the chance of developing blood clots.

Lifestyle changes after Coronary bypass surgery

Your bypass surgeon may advise you to make some lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking, consider a moderate exercise regime in combination with a healthy diet. Full recovery is expected in three months.