October 9, 2024
HealthhodNo Comments
Introduction
Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a common procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart. It’s usually recommended when the coronary arteries become blocked or narrowed, increasing the risk of heart attack. We reached out to Dr. HEMACHANDRA, M.Ch (CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY), a leading expert in cardiac surgery, to answer some of the most common questions about heart bypass surgery, from preparation to recovery.
Top 10 Questions about Heart Bypass Surgery Answered by Dr. HEMACHANDRA
What is heart bypass surgery?
Ans: Heart surgery is done by 2 methods one method is beating heart surgery, other method is using heart lung bypass machine also called heart surgery on bypass. Heart bypass surgery is one which is performed to improve blood flow to the heart when there are blocks within the coronary arteries. This surgery includes bypassing blood vessels with other vessels namely veins from the leg(saphenous vein graft), arteries from the chest wall( internal mammary), arteries from the forearm (radial artery).
Why would someone need heart bypass surgery?
Answer: The blockage in the coronary arteries leads to depletion of the blood supply to the heart which results in heart attack which we normally come across in many patients.In these type of patients when the blockage in the heart blood vessels (coronary vessels) is severe and not amenable for control with medication then we need to go for procedural intervention namely coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG). Coronary artery bypass grafting is undertaken when the blocks are more and cannot be simply treated by placing a stent.
How risky is heart bypass surgery ?
Answer: The risk of heart bypass surgery carries <10% mortality, more or less similar risk as any other cardiac intervention procedures but the time taken for the procedure and the risk involved in the extensive surgery inhibits many patients to opt for this surgery because of its inherent risk involved.
How is heart bypass surgery done?
Answer: this coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is done in two ways, one is placing the heart on bypass with heart lung machine with or without arresting the heart , this is also called “on pump” surgery. The second one is beating heart surgery, also called as “off pump” surgery.
What is the difference between heart bypass and stent placement?
Answer: The stent placement is done in the blocked coronary artery vessel where in which the narrowed luminal area is dilated with the help of balloon and a metallic stent is placed across the narrowed blood vessel. The total procedure is performed through the approach from the peripheral arteries. Whereas in heart bypass surgery, the surgery is performed by opening the chest cavity either from the sternum or in between the ribs. The heart is approached directly.
How long does heart bypass surgery take?
Answer: It depends on the type of surgery that is performed, like “on pump” or off pump” surgery. For “off pump” surgery the time taken may be 2 to 3 hours. For “on pump” surgery it may take 4 to 5 hours. It also depends on the number of blood vessels that are being bypassed.
How long is the hospital stay after heart bypass surgery?
Answer: If there are no complications and everything goes fine the postoperative hospital stay may be 4 days on an average, sometimes it may be 2 days sometimes maybe 6 also.
What are the risks of heart bypass surgery?
Answer: Having multiple other problems Like elderly age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological problems, Lung diseases etc.. will increase the risks of CABG surgery.
How painful is recovery after heart bypass surgery?
Answer: The pain will be very tolerable and does not require any high dose of analgesia. Usually most of the patients tolerate this surgery very well and the recovery phase will be Good.
How soon can I walk after heart bypass surgery?
Answer: Normally it takes 2 days for the patient to walk after the surgery.
What exercises are safe after heart bypass surgery?
Answer: Once the patient is discharged, he is advised to take some minimal activities like walking for a small distance like 100 meters and advised to increase slowly both the time and distance.The weight bearing weight lifting are avoided.
When can I return to work after heart bypass surgery?
Answer: Based on the type of the occupation, the patient may be advised to attend his regular activities and work ranging from one week to 6 weeks.
How do I take care of the Surgical wound at home?
Answer: By the time the patient is being discharged most of the wounds will be healthy and skin edges are held together by healing. we advise normal bathing with soap at home, no need to do any dressing.
How can I prevent heart problems after bypass surgery?
Answer: The patient is advised to have a healthy lifestyle, have healthy food, avoid junk & oil food items, to have good sleep, and maintain emotional balance .
What medications will I need after heart bypass surgery?
Answer: The medications which prevent abnormal clotting within the blood vessels, the drugs which will reduce the bad cholesterol level and the drugs which help in decreasing the blood pressure levels
Conclusion
Heart bypass surgery can be a life-saving procedure for individuals with serious heart conditions. With proper care and lifestyle changes, many patients can resume normal activities and lead healthy lives after surgery. Dr. HEMACHANDRA emphasizes the importance of follow-up care and staying in close contact with your healthcare provider to ensure the best outcome.
For more expert advice on heart health and other medical concerns, visit HealthHOD.com, where experienced physicians like Dr. HEMACHANDRA answers your questions and helps build a healthier society.
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