How Does Coronary Bypass Surgery Work?

The heart is an essential part of the cardiovascular system, responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. It supplies this oxygen-rich blood through arteries. Similarly, coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. They wrap around outside of the heart. Any blockage or narrowing of these pathways due to plaque is known as coronary artery disease. It is caused by atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of cholesterol and fatty acids. 

This condition restricts the flow of blood to the heart and affects its functioning. It is the main reason for heart attacks, and the common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, arm or shoulder pain, weakness, etc. A doctor recommends coronary artery bypass surgery for its treatment. 

Procedure: The primary intention of the surgery is to redirect blood flow to your heart. This involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another area of your body and connecting it around the blocked arteries. This new pathway facilities blood circulation to your heart again. It does not cure the condition entirely but finds a way around it for improving cardiovascular functioning. 

The significant steps include:

• An incision in the middle of the chest to open the rib cage and expose your heart. 
  
  
• You get connected to a cardiopulmonary machine to circulate oxygenated blood throughout your body while the surgery is performed. This is not the case if it is a beating heart procedure. 
  
  
• The last step involves attaching the healthy blood vessel to bypass the blocked passage. This process is called grafting. 

Preparation: Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding your diet, medications, and activities before the surgery. This is done after performing several tests to diagnose your condition accurately. These examinations include blood tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, angiogram, etc. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully and communicate any other symptoms like flu or cold to avoid surgical complications. 

Risks: As it is open-heart surgery, you may experience discomfort during or after the procedure. The risk of getting these complications is higher when emergency surgery is performed or due to other medical conditions. The after-effects include bleeding, irregular heart rhythm, stroke, kidney problems, infections, etc. 

Recovery: You typically encounter pain in the incision area or deep breaths after the bypass surgery. You will likely stay in the intensive care unit for two to three days to check your vital signs. You get instructions to maintain low exertion and physical activity during this time. The recovery period lasts up to six to 12 weeks. After which, you can resume normal activities like exercising and work. 

Results: Post recovery, you should feel better and more relaxed in your breathing. The long-term effects of the treatment depend on your healthy lifestyle and medication intake. Not deviating from the doctor’s recommendation should keep you in good condition for a couple of years.

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Created on May 25th 2021 13:23. Viewed 275 times.

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