What is bypass? How is bypass surgery performed?
Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and even heart attacks.
Bypass surgery involves creating new pathways for blood to flow to the heart by using blood vessels taken from other parts of the body. These blood vessels, called grafts, are usually taken from the patient’s leg, arm, or chest. The grafts are then attached to the coronary arteries, bypassing the blocked or narrowed sections.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep and unaware during the surgery. The surgeon begins by making an incision in the chest to access the heart. The heart is then temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine is used to take over the function of the heart and lungs, allowing the surgeon to work on the heart.
Next, the surgeon harvests the grafts from the patient’s body. The most commonly used graft is the saphenous vein, which is taken from the leg. The internal mammary artery, located in the chest, is also commonly used as a graft. In some cases, the radial artery from the arm may be used as well.
Once the grafts are harvested, the surgeon proceeds to create the bypasses. The grafts are sewn onto the coronary arteries, creating new pathways for blood to flow to the heart muscle. The number of bypasses performed depends on the severity and location of the blockages.
After the bypasses are completed, the heart is restarted, and the heart-lung machine is removed. The surgeon then closes the incision in the chest using sutures or staples. The patient is then transferred to the recovery room, where they are closely monitored for any complications.
Bypass surgery is a major procedure that typically requires a hospital stay of several days. During this time, the patient will be closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure proper healing and recovery. Pain medication will be provided to manage any discomfort, and the patient will be encouraged to gradually increase their activity level under the guidance of a healthcare team.
Following discharge from the hospital, the patient will need to continue their recovery at home. This may involve taking medications to manage pain, prevent infection, and control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The patient will also need to make lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, and engaging in regular exercise.
The success rate of bypass surgery is generally high, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. The surgeon will discuss these risks with the patient prior to the surgery.
In conclusion, bypass surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary artery disease by creating new pathways for blood to flow to the heart. It involves using grafts taken from other parts of the body to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. While it is a major procedure, it can provide significant relief from symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for patients with coronary artery disease.
