What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is a disease of the arteries that surround the heart and supply blood to the heart muscle. When those arteries harden and become partially obstructed by atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease exists. The obstruction of the coronary arties reduces the amount of blood reaching the heart muscle. When coronary artery blood flow is reduced, it may lead to pain called angina pectoris or a heart attack that scars part of the heart muscle.
What is coronary artery bypass graft surgery(CABG)?
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is an operation in which arteries removed from inside the chest wall or hand, or veins removed from the legs are used on the surface of the heart to bypass obstructions in the coronary arteries. The blood supply to the heart muscle thus is restored to areas where it was reduced by atherosclerosis.
What will coronary artery bypass graft surgery accomplish?
The purpose of coronary artery bypass graft surgery is to improve the blood flow to the heart muscle. More blood flow should mean less angina or no angina at all. It should reduce the need for medication and improve exercise capability. The operation also may prolong life.
What are the indications for CABG surgery?
Decision to do surgery is taken by your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon after looking at your coronary angiogram. Surgery may be recommended for a variety of reasons: If medications no longer relieve your angina, if you have life–threatening coronary blocks or if you have complications following a heart attack.
Traditionally, the vein used for bypass surgery is taken from the leg after a long incision is made. Dr. Gokhale CT Associates has mastered the art of taking the vein with an endoscope, after making one to three small incisions. Such endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) helps patients recover faster and avoid a long scar.
What is beating heart bypass surgery?
Coronary arteries are 1.5 to 2.5mm in diameter. When heart is beating, it is difficult to do surgery on such small blood vessels. Traditionally bypass surgery is done after stopping your heart. During this time your blood is circulated using an artificial heart–lung machine. Now with the advent of newer devices, it is possible to do coronary artery bypass surgery without stopping heart. What method suits you will be decided by your surgeon in the operating room.
How does one prepare for coronary artery bypass graft surgery?
Both you and your family should have sufficient information about the operation and hospital procedure to relieve your natural anxiety. You should feel free to discuss any concerns with the doctor. Because procedures vary from one hospital to another, be sure to find out about visiting hours, discussions with physicians and any other hospital related concerns you may have.
Know Your Heart
