Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Heart bypass surgery involves having to cut open the chest. The goal is to get blood flowing again to the heart. For this, a graft is attached from the aorta to a coronary vessel to bypass blockages. Grafts are typically harvested from more prominent arteries inside the chest under the collarbone, veins down the legs, or arteries up in the arm. Some patients require multiple grafts for optimum results. This technique clears blockages in coronary artery disease and reduces chest pain and related symptoms.
Do I need heart bypass surgery?
If you get diagnosed with coronary heart disease from all those cholesterol build-ups (called atherosclerosis), surgery might be what you need.
This condition can lead to:
- Angina: Discomfort in the chest when blood flow is insufficient.
- Heart attack: Clot formation may block a coronary vessel.
- Peripheral arterial disease: Reduced blood supply causes leg pain during exercise.
- Stroke: Obstruction of blood flow to the brain can occur.
What happens during heart bypass surgery?
Doctors give general anaesthesia.
Then:
- A mid-chest incision grants access to the heart.
- A heart-lung machine may take over blood circulation.
- Some surgeons like using the heart beating method or new ways to make smaller, easier cuts.
- Your surgeon carefully and precisely snips out the most important pieces of tubing from a donor blood vessel.
Your doctor will explain all your surgery options and ensure you understand each one. They will describe how each surgery works and which fits your case best.
Preparation
Proper preparation can ease anxiety.
Steps to consider include:
- Arranging help during recovery and support at home.
- Continuing with your prescribed treatments.
- Eating healthy food.
- Managing your weight and mental well-being.
- Organising transport and time off work.
- Creating a comfortable recovery area.
- Staying active as advised.
These measures may contribute to a smoother recovery and boost your confidence before surgery.
Post-Surgery
Post-surgery, you are closely observed in intensive care or a specialist recovery unit, then moved to a cardiac ward.
Recovery milestones usually are:
- Day 1: Sitting up becomes possible.
- Day 3: You may start walking.
- Day 5–6: Climbing stairs can be attempted.
Most people start feeling normal again quickly after beginning treatment, usually around six weeks. Still, someone with an intensive job might need a little more time to feel entirely normal again. Your team of medical caregivers can help you master new lifestyle habits to manage coronary artery disease better.
What are the benefits of heart bypass surgery?
Surgical benefits include:
- Getting better sleep and lowering pain from things like angina or disease in the blood vessels in limbs.
- Feeling happier and better about life and reducing the chance of having a heart attack or stroke goes a long way, too.
- Increased energy for daily tasks and physical activities.
- Many people find themselves getting excited to start doing hobbies and get into exercise, too.
What are the risks of heart bypass surgery?
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Excessive bleeding or clot formation
- Post-operative complications like heart attack or stroke
- Some effects after the anaesthesia can bring a kind of foggy confusion or feel a bit sick.
- Risk of wound infection.
Discuss these risks with your doctor to fully understand your personalised plan.
Conclusion: Do I have to have heart bypass surgery?
Surgery is recommended if blockages are severe. However, alternatives exist, such as coronary angioplasty, which involves using a balloon on a small tube to open a blood vessel. After that tiny coil, called a stent, is put into place, it clears that passage for blood flow. Detailed imaging, including CT coronary angiography, helps determine the right course. Antiplatelet drugs, beta-blockers, and statins all help manage heart diseases. Discuss all options with your healthcare team to choose the most appropriate treatment.
Dr Raghu is a leading expert in coronary artery disease. His patient-centred approach and extensive experience ensure the best care for those requiring advanced heart treatments.
