What is Bypass Surgery?

Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a procedure designed to improve blood flow to the heart. Patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD), in which plaque accumulates in the arteries and restricts blood flow, are usually advised to undergo it. During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel from another area of the body is used to open a new "bypass" that allows blood to bypass the clogged arteries.

Why is Bypass Surgery Done?

It is primarily performed to;

• Relieve symptoms of CAD (chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath).
• Improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart attack.
• Enhance the overall quality of life
• Patients with multiple blocked arteries, severe blockages, or those who have failed to respond to other treatments like angioplasty

Risk Factors

• Infection at the incision site or in the chest.
• Blood clots, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
• Kidney or lung complications.
• Bleeding during or after the surgery.
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Memory loss or difficulty thinking clearly, though these symptoms are often temporary.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

To evaluate your heart and general health before surgery, the doctor will perform several tests, including an ECG, blood tests, and chest X-rays. Before the procedure, the person is required to fast for at least eight hours. In addition, your doctor may advise you to stop taking a certain prescription.

During the Procedure

• Bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours. The surgeon will;
• Make an incision in the chest.
• Remove a healthy blood vessel from the leg, arm, or chest.
• Attach the healthy vessel above and below the blocked artery to reroute the blood flow.
• Once complete, the incision will be closed, and you'll be moved to the recovery room.

After the Procedure

The person will be closely observed for a few days in the intensive care unit following surgery. Depending on the general health, recovery may take many weeks or even months. A patient could feel a little tired and uncomfortable where the incisions are. Included in follow-up care are:

• Pain management
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs
• A heart-healthy diet and lifestyle changes

Management and Prevention

After bypass surgery, managing your heart health is crucial to prevent further complications. Here’s how you can do it;

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Stop smoking
• Manage stress
• Monitor and control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels

Why Choose Accord Hospital for Bypass Surgery?

At Accord Hospital, we are dedicated to providing advanced and comprehensive care for heart patients. Our team, led by the best bypass surgeons in Faridabad, India, utilizes cutting-edge technology and personalized treatment plans to ensure successful outcomes. With our commitment to patient care and recovery, we stand as a leading choice for bypass surgery in Faridabad, India. Trust us to guide you on your journey to a healthier heart.

Q&A

• Q: How is bypass surgery different from angioplasty?

  Bypass surgery includes using a healthy blood vessel to create a new blood flow path, whereas angioplasty involves opening a blocked artery using a balloon or stent. Since bypass surgery is more intrusive, it is usually only performed on patients who have more advanced or complicated heart conditions.

• Q: How long does bypass surgery take?

  The surgery typically takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of arteries being bypassed and the patient's overall health.

• Q: What is the recovery process like after bypass surgery?

  A five to seven-day hospital stay is required for recovery, during which time you will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit. Complete healing may take six to twelve weeks after discharge. During this time, fatigue and pain at the site of the incision are usual. Changes in lifestyle and cardiac rehabilitation are essential for long-term healing.

• Q: How long do the effects of bypass surgery last?

  For most patients, the benefits of bypass surgery last many years. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining the success of the surgery and avoiding future blockages.