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Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)Coronary artery bypass grafting is a type of surgery that makes a new pathway around a blocked artery. Itrestores blood flow to the heart.The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to your heart.Sometimes these arteries become blocked because of coronary artery disease. Partially blocked arteries cancause chest pain during physical activity. If an artery becomes totally blocked, it causes a heart attack.Your provider may advise bypass surgery if you're taking medicines for coronary artery disease and still havesymptoms.You may also need the surgery:• If you have blockages in an area that can't be reached with angioplasty• If you have multivessel disease• Or if you have a complete or almost complete blockage in one of the main coronary arteries.Other times, the surgery is done as an emergency, such as right after a heart attack.Your provider will tell you how to prepare for bypass surgery. Ask your healthcare provider when to stopeating or drinking before your surgery.Tell your provider if you're pregnant or might be pregnant.Ask your healthcare provider if there are any medicines you should stop taking before your surgery.Your provider will explain what happens during the procedure. They will also talk with you about any risks.At the hospital, you'll be asked to sign a consent form. This gives your healthcare provider permission to dothe procedure.Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.An anesthesiologist will give you medicine to put you to sleep. You won't feel anything during the surgery.Bypass surgery can be done a few different ways. In traditional bypass surgery, your heart will be stopped fora short time during the surgery. A heart-lung machine will work as your heart during this time.Your surgeon will make a cut in the skin over your breastbone and then open the breastbone to get to yourheart. Then, they will take a healthy blood vessel from somewhere else in your body. It may be from your arm,leg, or from within your chest.The blood vessel is attached above and below the blocked area of your artery, creating a bridge or a bypass soyour heart can get enough blood.Page 1 ofSome types of bypass surgery are different and less invasive. Sometimes, the heart doesn't need to bestopped, so they may not need a heart-lung machine.Smaller incisions may be used, and recovery time may be shorter. Your provider will tell you if you are acandidate for these techniques.When the bypass is complete, the incisions will be closed with stitches or staples.You will be moved to a recovery room where your breathing, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rhythmwill be watched.You will spend some time in the intensive care unit. You may have a number of tubes to help you breathe andurinate.You'll have some soreness for several days.When you go home, your provider will give you instructions about medicines, exercise, and incision care. Itmay take 6 weeks to 3 months to fully recover.Follow the instructions from your healthcare provider to help make sure your recovery goes well.Page 2 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
Heart & Vascular Center
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