CABG Surgery

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart harden due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque. This plaque is mainly made of cholesterol. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking could be some of the reasons that result in the building up of this plaque. Older people are generally at a higher risk, as also those who have a family history of heart disease.

When this plaque causes your arteries to narrow by more than 60% to 70%, it restricts the flow of blood to the heart. A decreased blood flow then leads to decreased oxygen going to the part of the heart muscle which is supplied by these arteries. This may result in chest pain in some patients, while others may not have any chest pain at all. However both these groups are at a risk of a heart attack. Our artery gets completely blocked when a blood clot is formed above this blockage, leading to a heart attack  

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) helps improve the flow of blood to the heart. It is beneficial for those who suffer from coronary artery disease. During this procedure, surgeons take an artery or vein from your body to connect or graft it to the artery that is blocked. The blocked portion of the coronary artery is bypassed by the grafted artery thus creating a new passage that allows oxygenated blood to be routed to the heart muscle. During one surgery the doctor would be able to bypass at least four blocked arteries.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is done by doctors known as cardiothoracic surgeons. Going in for this surgery may not always be the best option. You could also treat CHD with medicines, lifestyle changes, and an angioplasty. Another option you have is going in for a Coronary artery bypass graft surgery combined with stent placement. This is beneficial if there are a number of blockages in your large coronary arteries.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery helps improve your quality of life and decreases angina and other symptoms of CHD. It also helps improve the ability of your heart to pump blood, especially if damage has been done to your heart because of a heart attack. Your chances of getting a heart attack are lowered by this procedure. Last but not the least, this surgery increases your chances of survival.

Sometimes, repeat surgery is necessary when the arteries that are grafted get blocked again. In some cases arteries that were not blocked earlier may develop blockages. It is therefore very important that you take the medicines that are prescribed by your doctor and also change your lifestyle after the surgery. This would help lower any chances of your graft getting blocked. In most cases however, one could expect excellent results post surgery.