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| Surgical
Procedures |
Coronary
Artery Bypass Graft (CABG or Bypass Surgery)
The coronary arteries are the blood vessels
that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients.
The heart relies on these fuels as it works
constantly to pump blood through the body.
The heart never rests like the other muscles
in the body, and it demands a constant supply
of fuel day and night.
When there are blockages of the arteries to
the heart, an individual may experience chest
pain (angina pectoris), or ultimately even
a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
If you have coronary artery disease, treatment
generally includes lifestyle changes-such
as diet and physical activity- and medications
to lower cholesterol. It’s important
to keep chronic conditions in control, such
as high blood pressure and diabetes, and to
avoid tobacco. Coronary artery bypass surgery
or other procedures may be recommended, depending
on the extent of your disease.
Coronary artery disease is complex, and every
patient’s specific situation is different.
You should therefore discuss your circumstances
with your doctor.
Coronary artery bypass grafting or “CABG”
(pronounced “cabbage”) is a surgery
to bypass blockages or obstructions of the
coronary arteries. The procedure can improve
the quality of your life and even add years
to it, especially when combined with a healthy
lifestyle.
Most coronary bypass surgeries are still done
conventionally- meaning that a chest incision
is made and the sternum (breastbone) is divided
so that the rib cage can be opened to expose
the heart. While it’s often called “open
heart surgery”, surgeons don’t actually
open the heart- they work on the heart’s
exterior.
The surgery involves sewing a section of vein
from the leg or artery from the chest or another
part of the body to bypass the diseased coronary
artery. This graft is used to create a new
route for blood to flow, so that the heart
muscle will get the blood it needs to work
properly.
Sometimes a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary
bypass pump) is used. This machine takes over
the function of the heart and lungs during
surgery. It allows your heart to be stopped
while the surgeon sews the replacement grafts
in place.
The operation may be done without using the
heart-lung machine. This is called “off
pump” coronary artery bypass or beating
heart surgery. Special devices are used to
stabilize the heart during this surgery and
a heart lung machine is not used. Not everyone
is a candidate for this type of surgery. Your
surgeon will discuss these options with you.
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