Coronary bypass surgery
Specialty of Cardiothoracic surgery
What is coronary artery bypass surgery?
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an open heart surgical procedure. It diverts blood around narrowed or clogged parts of the major arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
What is coronary bypass surgery for?
As we’ve said, CABG restores the normal blood flow to the arteries, thus avoiding extremely dangerous conditions. If left untreated, the obstruction of the coronary arteries can cause cardiovascular conditions such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or angina. The procedure is indicated in people under 70, where medication has been unsuccessful in treating their cardiovascular condition.
What does CABG involve?
Coronary artery bypass surgery involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body usually the mammary arteries, radial arteries or an artery from the lower limbs, and it grafting it to the coronary artery above and below the narrowed area or blockage. This allows for optimal blood flow restoration.
How can you prepare for CABG?
If you’re on any medication, you may need to stop taking it. It is essential that you talk to your GP or surgeon about it before the procedure. The surgeon will also look at your medical history to identify any potential risks.
Post-operative progress
After a CABG, you’ll be staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a couple of days. Once you’re cleared from the ICU, you will have to stay in hospital from another three to five days. In the months following the surgery, you’ll need to see your doctor again for a general check-up. Usually, it takes at least two months to fully recover after the procedure.
Articles related to
Coronary artery disease: bypassing to beat CAD
By Professor Olaf Wendler
2019-02-16
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is on the rise, and with it the risk of chronic angina, heart failure and heart attacks. Expert heart surgeon Professor Olaf Wendler specialises in treating CAD, and helped to pioneer arterial coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) – a surgical technique to treat this condition. See more
Coronary artery disease: surgical solutions
By Professor Olaf Wendler
2019-02-08
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease and can be potentially lethal. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart attacks. However, there are options for treatment. Leading heart surgeon and CAD expert Professor Olaf Wendler explains the surgical options to combat this condition and potentially save your heart. See more
Experts in
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Professor Aung Ye Oo
Cardiothoracic surgeryExpert in:
- Aortic root surgery
- Heart valve surgery
- Coronary bypass surgery
- Aortic valve replacement (minimally invasive)
- Marfan syndrome
- Aortic surgery
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Mr Uday Trivedi
Cardiothoracic surgeryExpert in:
- Coronary bypass surgery
- Mitral valve repair (minimally invasive)
- Aortic surgery
- TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation)
- Heart bypass
- Heart valve surgery