What is it?
1.Bypassing Blockages: CABG is a surgical procedure that redirects blood flow around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, allowing blood to reach the heart muscle again. This “bypass” is achieved by using a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body.
2.Graft Sources: The vessels for the graft can be extracted from the chest, leg, or arm. These vessels become the alternative routes for blood to flow, ensuring the heart receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients.
3.Commonality: This procedure is one of the most common heart surgeries performed globally, showcasing its importance and prevalence.
4.Duration & Type: A CABG surgery may range from 3 to 6 hours. It can be a traditional open-heart surgery or a less invasive method using smaller incisions.
5.Complete and Partial Bypass: Depending on the number of blockages, a person may undergo a single, double, triple, or even quadruple bypass surgery.
Who Needs It?
- Significant Blockages: People with multiple or significant coronary artery blockages are primary candidates.
- Ineffectiveness of Medications: Those for whom medications or other procedures (like angioplasty) aren't effective.
- Symptomatic Reasons: Individuals suffering from angina (chest pain) or dyspnea (shortness of breath) due to coronary artery disease.
- High-Risk Patients: People who show signs of severe heart muscle dysfunction or have blockages in the left main coronary arter
- Preventive Measure In certain cases, it's recommended to preemptively address an issue before it manifests as a significant problem.
How is it Performed?
- General Anesthesia: The patient is first put under general anesthesia, ensuring they're unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
- Incisions & Graft Extraction: A cut is made down the chest, and the rib cage is opened to expose the heart. Concurrently, graft vessels are extracted from the chosen location.
- Heart Stop & Connection: In many cases, the heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over the circulation. The graft vessels are then attached above and below the blockages.
- Restarting the Heart: The heart is then restarted, and the chest is closed up.
- Minimally Invasive Methods: Some CABGs are performed without stopping the heart, using smaller incisions.
What to Expect from this Surgery?
1.Hospital Stay: A typical stay is around 5-7 days post-surgery.
2.Recovery: Full recovery can take 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on the individual's health and any complications.
3.Physical Rehabilitation: Post-operative care often includes physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation for improving heart health.
4.Medication: Patients are usually prescribed medications to control pain, cholesterol, blood pressure, and anti-clotting agents.
5.Follow-ups: Regular check-ups post-surgery are vital to monitor the grafts and overall cardiac health.
Cost in Top Indian Hospitals
The cost of CABG in top Indian hospitals varies depending on the city, facility, and expertise. However, on average, the procedure ranges from ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 (approximately $2,500 to $6,500). This includes pre-operative tests, surgery, hospital stay, and initial post-operative care.
Risks of Not Getting It
1.Worsening Symptoms: Continued chest pain or shortness of breath.
2.Heart Attack Risk: Increased potential for a heart attack.
3.Heart Damage: Progressive damage to the heart muscle due to lack of oxygen.
4.Reduced Lifespan: A possible decrease in life expectancy.
5.Limited Physical Activity: Reduced capability for exercise or even daily activities.
Benefits of this Treatment
- Symptomatic Relief: Alleviation of angina and breathlessness.
- Increased Life Expectancy: Potential for a longer life.
- Improved Heart Function: Enhanced efficiency of the heart muscle.
- Physical Activity: Ability to return to an active lifestyle.
- Reduced Medication: May reduce the need for certain heart medications.
Conclusion
Your heart health is paramount. If you or a loved one are considering CABG, it's vital to discuss with a cardiologist and understand all facets of the procedure.
FAQ's
The success rate is high, with 90% of patients experiencing significant symptom relief.
Arterial grafts can last for 10-15 years or more, while vein grafts may last 10 years.
Most patients can return to a normal lifestyle, though they may have to make dietary and exercise changes.
While CABG is a form of open-heart surgery, not all open-heart surgeries are CABGs.
Yes, there's typically a scar down the chest, though its prominence reduces over time.
While the grafts last many years, it's possible for other blockages to develop that may require intervention.
Yes, treatments like angioplasty and stent placement are alternatives, but their suitability depends on individual cases.
Depending on the nature of your job, you may return to work in 6-12 weeks.
While CABG improves blood flow to the heart, it doesn't cure coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes and medication are essential.
As with any surgery, there are risks like infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific to CABG, risks include irregular heartbeat and memory loss.