Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Restoring Heart Health

Introduction & Overview

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure aimed at improving blood flow to the heart in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque—reducing oxygen-rich blood supply to the heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart attacks and heart failure.

CABG involves creating a detour around the blocked arteries by grafting healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body—typically the saphenous vein from the leg, the internal mammary artery from the chest, or the radial artery from the arm—to restore adequate blood flow to the heart.

As one of the most commonly performed heart surgeries globally, CABG significantly improves survival rates, alleviates symptoms like chest pain (angina), and enhances overall quality of life.

Conditions Treated with CABG

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common reason for CABG, involving blocked coronary arteries.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): CABG may be necessary after a severe heart attack.

Chronic Angina: Persistent chest pain due to inadequate blood supply.

Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A blockage in the main artery supplying the heart.

Triple-Vessel Disease: Severe blockages in three major coronary arteries.

Failed Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI): When stents or angioplasty fail to keep arteries open.

Biological & Medical Insights

Blocked coronary arteries prevent oxygenated blood from reaching heart tissues, leading to ischemia and potential heart muscle damage.

CABG provides an alternative route for blood flow, reducing strain on the heart and preventing further ischemic events.

The longevity of the graft varies based on the type of vessel used and patient lifestyle factors.

Procedure: Step-by-Step

Pre-Operative Assessment:

• Coronary Angiography: Identifies blocked arteries.
• Echocardiogram & Stress Test: Evaluates heart function.
• Blood Tests & Chest X-rays: Assesses overall surgical readiness.

Surgical Process:

• Performed under general anesthesia.
• The heart may be stopped using a heart-lung machine (on-pump CABG) or kept beating (off-pump CABG).
• Healthy blood vessels are grafted above and below the blocked artery to restore blood flow.

Post-Operative Care:

• ICU monitoring for heart rhythm, blood pressure, and fluid balance.
• Pain management and gradual physical rehabilitation.
• Long-term follow-up includes medication management and lifestyle counseling.

Before & After Treatment

Before: Symptoms include chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and risk of heart attack.

After: Improved heart function, increased energy levels, reduced chest pain, and lowered risk of cardiac events.

Advantages of CABG

✔ Provides long-term relief from angina.

✔ Reduces the risk of heart attacks.

✔ Improves life expectancy, especially in high-risk patients.

Precautions & Risks

Potential Risks: Risk of infection or bleeding, arrhythmias (especially atrial fibrillation), stroke or heart attack during/after surgery (rare), and graft occlusion over time requiring future interventions.

Insights

✔ Arterial grafts (like the internal mammary artery) have longer patency rates than vein grafts.

✔ Off-pump CABG reduces the risk of certain complications but may not be suitable for all patients.

✔ Post-operative cardiac rehabilitation improves long-term outcomes.

Why Choose MediHelp for CABG?

✔ Expert Cardiothoracic Surgeons: Extensive experience in both on-pump and off-pump CABG.

✔ Advanced Pre-Surgical Planning: Using 3D angiography for precision.

✔ Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: Ensuring holistic recovery.

✔ High Success Rates: Industry-leading patient outcomes.