Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) also called coronary artery bypass surgery is performed on patients who have suffered a heart attack. It is generally restricted to severe heart block cases that have not responded to medication or angioplasty and/or stenting.

THE PROCEDURE

In a CABG, the blood flow is redirected through a new artery or vein that is grafted around the blocked parts of coronary arteries with an aim to improve blood circulation to the heart. The procedure conventionally involves an open-chest surgery and the placing of a heart-lung bypass machine to ensure blood and oxygen circulation. The new artery or vein is grafted with an artery or a vein from some other part of the body such as the leg.

TYPES OF CABG

Less invasive techniques have replaced the conventional open-chest surgery nowadays, though a lot more research is required. Some of them are:

POST SURGICAL CARE

The patient must stay under observation for around 2 days to a week in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), unless there are some complications. Aspirin is administered right after surgery to check complications. After that, recovery is speeded up with a physical routine, respiratory rehabilitation, job-related routine and diet management. A patient takes around 4 to 6 weeks to be active at home; exercise and driving is allowed after about 2 to 3 weeks; and one can return to work usually within 1 to 2 months depending on their kind of profession.

EFFECTIVENESS

CABG vis-a-vis angioplasty shows almost identical long-term results. CABG may show greater resilience and more comprehensive revascularization.

CABG as a rule is more effective in patients with diabetes, left main coronary artery ailments, frail heart muscle and valve ailments that are surgical cases.

COMPLICATIONS

Some of the risks and disadvantages are as follows: