Understanding Coronary Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery is often the best solution for patients suffering from severe coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is the result of fatty build-ups on the inner walls of the arteries that nourish the heart. These build-ups can narrow the arteries and thus restrict the normal flow of oxygen-rich blood, or can actually block the flow of blood altogether. If your doctor has recommended coronary bypass surgery to "detour" your blocked artery, the following information can help answer your questions about this procedure.

How Bypass Surgery Works

When the coronary arteries become blocked with fatty deposits, your heart is deprived of the oxygen-rich blood it needs to function normally. In many cases, when medications have failed, or when a blockage is life-endangering, bypass surgery is the best solution. In this procedure, an extra vein from your leg or chest wall is used to "bypass" or detour around your blocked artery. The vein is grafted above and below the point of blockage, allowing blood to flow freely to the affected area.

What To Expect

Prior to your surgery you will have a full medical and cardiac evaluation which usually includes cardiac catheterization (an examination of the inside of your heart), a coronary angiogram (an x-ray image of the blood flow to the heart), and a left ventriculogram (an x-ray picture of the pumping action of the lower left part of your heart). The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means that you will be completely "asleep" and free from any discomfort. Your initial recovery is in the intensive care unit of the hospital where you will be monitored closely. During this time, you will have several "tubes" to help you breathe normally, empty your bladder, and provide medications. Once your tubes are removed and your condition is stable, you are moved to your regular hospital room where your care includes physical, respiratory, and occupational therapy as well as counseling on reducing your risk factors for further CAD. Bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure and does carry some risks, so it's important that you speak with your doctor beforehand about possible complications.

After Care

After your discharge from the hospital, you recover at home for approximately one to two months. You'll be returning to your doctor's office for follow-up visits to monitor your progress and the success of the surgery. One of the most important things you can do to assist your recovery and slow the progress of further CAD is to follow your physician's instructions about risk reduction: stop smoking if you haven't already done so; reduce your consumption of high fat, high cholesterol foods; follow your recommended exercise program; and learn how to control your blood pressure.

Hope For Tomorrow

Without coronary artery bypass surgery there would literally be no "tomorrow" for many people. By detouring your blocked artery and providing your heart with life-giving oxygen, coronary artery bypass surgery can help ensure that tomorrow is truly, as the saying goes, the first day of the rest of your life.

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Related Sites:

American Heart Association