Coronary artery bypass surgery, commonly known as CABG, is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart muscle when the coronary arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked.
It may be recommended for selected patients with coronary artery disease, particularly when the location, extent or complexity of the blockages makes surgical treatment appropriate.
What is coronary artery bypass surgery?
The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When these arteries become narrowed because of plaque buildup, blood flow to the heart may become restricted.
During bypass surgery, a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used as a graft to create a new route for blood to reach the heart muscle. This new pathway allows blood to bypass the narrowed or blocked section of the coronary artery. A cardiac surgery team performs the procedure in a specialised hospital setting.
Why might CABG be recommended?
Not everyone with coronary artery disease requires bypass surgery. Treatment depends on factors such as the location and severity of blockages, the number of affected coronary arteries, heart function, symptoms, other medical conditions and previous treatments.
CABG may be considered in selected patients with:
- Significant narrowing involving multiple coronary arteries
- Complex coronary artery disease
- Certain patterns of blockage involving important coronary vessels
- Diabetes with specific patterns of coronary artery disease
- Coronary disease where CABG is considered more appropriate than other treatment options
The treating cardiac team should decide after a detailed evaluation.
How is coronary bypass surgery performed?
During traditional CABG, the surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel as a graft. Common grafts include the internal mammary artery and veins taken from the leg.
The surgeon connects the graft to the coronary artery beyond the blocked or narrowed section, creating an alternative route for blood flow to the heart muscle.
Depending on the patient’s condition and the surgical plan, different bypass approaches may be considered. The choice depends on factors such as coronary anatomy, overall health, and the extent of coronary artery disease.
What is recovery like after bypass surgery?
Recovery after CABG varies from person to person. Following surgery, patients are usually monitored closely in a critical care setting before moving to a regular hospital room when clinically appropriate.
Recovery may include:
- Prescribed medicines
- Surgical wound care
- Gradual increase in physical activity
- Nutritional guidance
- Breathing and physical exercises
- Cardiac rehabilitation, when appropriate
Following the treating team’s instructions is important. CABG improves blood flow to the heart but does not remove the underlying process that caused coronary artery disease.
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, diet, physical activity and other cardiovascular risk factors therefore remains important after surgery.
CABG vs angioplasty: What is the difference?
Bypass surgery and angioplasty are different approaches to treating coronary artery disease.
Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), uses a catheter-based technique to open a selected narrowed or blocked coronary artery. It usually involves balloon dilation and may include stent placement.
CABG creates a new route around blocked or narrowed sections of the coronary arteries using blood vessel grafts.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the individual’s coronary anatomy, disease severity, symptoms, overall health and other clinical circumstances. In some cases, the heart team may discuss both options before recommending the most suitable approach.
When should you discuss CABG with a cardiac specialist?
Patients with significant coronary artery disease may be referred to a cardiac surgeon when bypass surgery is being considered. A specialist evaluation can help determine whether CABG, angioplasty, medication or another approach is appropriate.
Patients searching for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Bangalore should consider a centre with access to cardiac surgery, cardiology, critical care, diagnostic facilities and appropriate postoperative support.
A multispeciality hospital in Bangalore may also benefit patients with other medical conditions that need to be considered during treatment.
Sparsh Hospital offers cardiac services involving cardiology and cardiac surgery teams. The appropriate treatment approach is determined following individual evaluation.
Understanding the procedure, available alternatives, the recovery process, and the importance of long-term risk-factor management can help patients have informed discussions with their healthcare team and make decisions suited to their individual cardiac needs.