How does heart bypass surgery work?

Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle when the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). This surgery involves creating new pathways for blood to bypass the blocked or narrowed arteries, restoring adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. Here's how the procedure typically works: Anesthesia: Before the surgery begins, the patient is given general anesthesia, which means they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure. A breathing tube may be inserted to help with breathing while the patient is under anesthesia. Chest Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest, typically down the middle (sternotomy), to access the heart. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be used, involving smaller incisions and special instruments. Harvesting Grafts: To create the bypasses, the surgeon needs healthy blood vessels to serve as grafts. The most common grafts used are the saphenous vein from the leg or the internal mammary artery (internal thoracic artery) from the chest wall. Occasionally, other blood vessels may be used. Bypass Grafting: The surgeon attaches one end of the graft to the aorta (the main artery leaving the heart) and the other end to a point beyond the blocked or narrowed segment of the coronary artery, effectively creating a detour for blood flow. This allows blood to bypass the blocked artery and flow freely into the heart muscle. Multiple Bypasses: Depending on the extent of coronary artery disease, multiple grafts may be created during the same surgery. These are often referred to as double, triple, or quadruple bypass surgeries, depending on the number of grafts performed. Restarting the Heart: After the grafts are in place, the heart may need to be restarted. This can be done by allowing the heart to start beating on its own, or in some cases, by using medications or electrical stimulation (cardiopulmonary bypass machine) to assist with circulation during the procedure. Closing the Incision: Once the grafts are securely in place, the surgeon closes the chest incision with sutures or staples and may place drainage tubes to remove excess fluids from the surgical site. Recovery: The patient is gradually awakened from anesthesia, and they are monitored closely in the recovery room. They will typically spend several days in the hospital for further monitoring and recovery. Heart bypass surgery is a highly effective procedure for improving blood flow to the heart and relieving angina (chest pain) and other symptoms associated with coronary artery disease. It can also reduce the risk of heart attacks and improve overall heart function. After surgery, patients will need to make significant lifestyle changes, take medications as prescribed, and participate in cardiac rehabilitation to optimize their recovery and long-term heart health. The recovery period after heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), can vary from person to person depending on several factors, including the individual's overall health, the number of grafts performed, and any complications that may arise during or after surgery. However, here's a general timeline for the recovery process: Hospital Stay: Most patients will spend several days (typically 3 to 5 days) in the hospital following heart bypass surgery. During this time, medical staff will closely monitor your condition, manage pain, and ensure that your vital signs and grafts are functioning well. You will be encouraged to start moving as soon as possible. Initial Recovery at Home (1-2 Weeks): After discharge, you'll continue your recovery at home. During the first week or two, it's essential to rest, follow your medication regimen, and adhere to any dietary restrictions provided by your healthcare team. You may have sutures or staples that will need to be removed during a follow-up appointment. Gradual Resumption of Activities (2-6 Weeks): As your strength and stamina improve, you can gradually increase your activity level. Walking is an excellent way to start. Your cardiac rehabilitation program, if recommended, will provide guidance on exercise and recovery. Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous activities during this phase. Cardiac Rehabilitation (4-12 Weeks): Many patients are referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program. Ultimately, the goal of recovery after heart bypass surgery is to improve your heart's function, reduce symptoms, and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks. Know more about heart diseases, treatments and prevention at best hospitals like Manipal Hospital Dwarka.