What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) and its indications?

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) of the heart is performed to re-route the blood supply due to the blockage of blood vessels of the heart called Coronary arteries. This procedure involves a healthy blood vessel taken from your arm or leg or chest and connecting it beyond the blocked arteries of the heart. This bypass heart surgery will not cure heart disease but it can save you from the symptoms of the blocked blood vessel and extend the life expectancy. 

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Blockage of arteries (Coronary artery disease)
2. Decreased blood flow to the heart (Ischemia)
3. Formation of plaque around the walls of arteries (Atherosclerosis)
4. Pain in the chest (Angina)
5. Shortness of breath, etc

What can be the advantages of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

Some of the advantages of Coronary Artery Bypass surgery are; decreasing the risk of recurrence of a heart attack and symptoms of Coronary artery disease, etc.

What is the required preparation for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

1. The patient should inform past and present medical and medication history like using any blood thinners or pain killers to the doctor.
2. You may be advised to stop eating or drinking before 6 hours of the procedure.
3. You may be having some imaging tests to see the condition of the blockages.
4. Before undergoing the surgery, the medical condition of the patient will be checked by the doctor.
5. Before undergoing this surgery, the patient will be asked to sign a consent form.
6. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to anesthesia or to any known contrast dye.
7. Discuss all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with the Bypass surgery with your doctor.

What are the steps included in the Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass surgery includes the following steps:

1. General anesthesia will be given to avoid pain during the surgery.
2. An incision in the middle of the chest, a cardiopulmonary bypass machine is connected to you to circulate the oxygenated blood throughout the body during the surgery.
3. Your body temperature is lowered using a cooling technique. To reduce the amount of oxygen needed by your heart. This helps in suspending the body's processes and making the heart surgery possible. It also helps in reducing the risk of heart or brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
4. A healthy blood vessel from the chest wall/arm/leg is removed by the surgeon and placed near the blocked or damaged artery. This removed blood vessel is called graft and is attached over the blocked or damaged blood vessel while the other end is connected below it.
5. After completion of this process, the surgeon will remove the heart-lung machine and the function of the bypass is monitored. Once the bypass starts functioning, the incision will be closed with the sutures and bandage and shifted to ICU.

What is the care taken after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) includes the following steps:

1. After the completion of the procedure, the patient will be shifted to intensive care until he/she gains consciousness from the sedation.
2. Consult your doctor if pain or bleeding is seen at the surgical site. Use medicines strictly as directed by the doctor.
3. You may feel faint or weak, chest pain, and/or shortness of breath.
4. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor once in a while to monitor your condition.

Who is the right specialist to perform Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

1. Heart surgeon
2. A cardiologist who is well experienced in Coronary Artery Bypass surgery

What is the cost of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) in Mumbai?

Some factors may affect the cost of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Mumbai and they are:

1. Type of grafts used
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Doctor fee
4. Admission fee
5. Post-surgical complications that are involved
6. Age of the patient
7. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc.
8. Admission room that you opted for

Minimum charges for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) in Mumbai starts from Rs.77,000

Average cost for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) in Mumbai is approximately Rs.3,22,300

Maximum price for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) in Mumbai may rise up to Rs.6,60,000 

Is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) major surgery or minor surgery?

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is major surgery, it involves an incision on the chest and placement of the coronary artery graft.

What type of people can choose Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

 People with the following conditions can choose Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG):

1. People suffering from severe atherosclerosis [the blockage of blood vessels].
2. People who are suffering from angina.
3. Individuals who are at risk of developing heart disease.
4. Individuals with severe chest pain during rest or stress.

What type of people cannot choose Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

People with the following conditions cannot choose Coronary Artery Bypass surgery:

1. Severe kidney disease.
2. Patients who are currently on medications such as blood thinners and antiplatelets.

What are the risks and complications of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery has the following risks and complications:

1. Bleeding
2. Infections
3. Pericarditis
4. Loss of memory or difficulty to take decisions
5. Kidney problems
6. Stroke
7. Heart attack

What is the required time to complete Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

The time required to complete Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) maybe 3 to 6 hours.

How much time does a patient take to recover from Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

To recover from Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) the patient may take around 6 to 12 weeks to recover from and depends on the health condition of the patient. 

What is the success rate of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass surgery success rate depends on the following factors:

1. Experience of the surgeon 
2. Type of surgery performed
3. Patient age
4. Health condition of the patient 

However, the success rate of Coronary Artery Bypass surgery maybe  95%. 

Does Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) cause pain?

You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under general anesthesia. There may be some discomfort after the procedure. 

Is Coronary Artery Bypass(CABG) a Permanent Surgery?

Coronary Artery Bypass surgery is permanent. 

What are the long-term goals of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

The following are the long-term effects of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery:

1. Improvement in the symptoms of heart diseases
2. Medium to long-term survival is achieved
3. Left ventricular ejection fraction is improved

Can Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG) be detected in the future?

Coronary Bypass surgery can be detected in the future with the help of screening or imaging tests. 

What are the alternative methods or procedures for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery(CABG)?

Alternatives for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery are the following:

1. Medical therapy
2. Balloon angioplasty
3. Angioplasty
4. Enhanced external counterpulsation
5. Diet and lifestyle modifications