Tuesday, March 28, 2023

A Comprehensive Guide on Coronary Bypass Surgery

 Nobody is ever too old to take care of their heart. A healthy heart regulates a person's overall health as it pumps nutrition-rich blood across the body. As the main center of one's cardiovascular system, it is vitally responsible for life flowing throughout the body. However, the arteries get blocked due to various factors and demand coronary bypass surgery. 

This particular heart surgery cost in Delhi may vary from hospital to hospital and surgery to surgery. However, finding the right cardiologist for the best results is crucial. Dr. Sujay Shad is one of the most renowned heart surgeons in Delhi. He specializes in the comprehensive management of heart failure patients. Some of the necessary surgical procedures the doctor takes include HOCM, Coronary Bypass, and Aortic Surgery. One can find him in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi to know more about this life saving heart surgery. 



What is Coronary Bypass Surgery?

Coronary bypass surgery or bypass surgery is one the most common heart surgeries which must be performed by an expert and experienced cardiac surgeon such as Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India. When the arteries are narrowed or blocked, restricting blood supply to the heart, this surgery helps develop a new channel to regulate a healthy blood flow. Sometimes, this surgery is performed as an immediate treatment for a heart attack. 

There are many reasons why one may get bypass surgery. Some of the reasons may include the following: 

  • When the artery supplies a lot of blood to the heart; (the left main heart artery) may have a blockage.
  • When the main heart artery is blocked. 
  • When a person faces severe chest pain as a result of narrowing down multiple heart arteries, the narrowing causes less blood to flow to the heart, even during rest. 
  • When a person has more than one heart artery, the lower left heart chamber also doesn't function properly. 
  • When the blocked heart artery cannot be fixed with a less invasive treatment called coronary angioplasty. 
  • An unsuccessful angioplasty without or with a stent. For instance, after stenting, an artery narrows again.

What to Expect Before the Procedure?

  • The healthcare provider will educate the patient about the medications they may have to take before the surgery and which ones should be stopped. 
  • The healthcare provider will guide you in preparing for the procedure and the directions to follow post-surgery. 
  • The patient will be instructed to eat and avoid specific foods. 
  • The experts will also disclose what the patient can experience during the recovery, including the recovery duration, how the patient is most likely to feel, and what symptoms to look for. 

What Happens During the Surgery?

Coronary bypass surgery is a complex one that can take several hours to finish. The exact time depends on the specific surgery and how many bypasses the patient needs. Below are the typical steps followed in most of these surgeries.

  • The doctors will give anesthesia to the patient and put them into a deep sleep. 
  • The patient will then be incubated to help them breathe during the surgery. 
  • Intravenous lines will be attached to the patient to infuse medications and other fluids into the body. 
  • A small tube called a urinary catheter will be inserted into the urethra until it reaches the patient's bladder to help them when unconscious. 
  • The patient will be on a heart-lung bypass machine which takes over the patient's lungs and heart and aids in pumping the blood. 

Blood Vessel Harvesting 

Coronary bypass surgery creates a bypass route for blood to reach the heart. The surgeon takes blood vessels from somewhere else in the body, such as limbs or legs, and uses them to develop the detour around the blockage. Multiple bypasses are required for multiple blockages. These are (4) quadruple, (3) triple, and (2) double.

Surgical Procedure

  • The surgeon will make the incision in the center of the chest to reach the heart.
  • They will split the breast bone from the middle, spreading and lifting the ribcage. 
  • The harvested blood vessels will be used to craft the bypass as soon as the surgeon gets to the heart. 
  • The upper end of the bypass will attach to the aorta (the large artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body). 
  • The lower end will be attached to the blocked artery past the blockage. 
  • As soon as the steps mentioned above are completed, the doctors will restart the patient's heart if it is stopped. 
  • The surgeon will lower the rib again and wire it back. 
  • The incision will be closed using stitches and staples. 

Recovery and Rehabilitation After the Surgery

  • After the surgery, the patient is shifted to the ICU for the first two days because the staff there is specialized in handling such cases. 
  • Once the patient is stable enough to walk to the bathroom and shows interest in eating (in the next 4-5 days), the doctor transfers them to a regular medical-surgical room for the rest of their stay. 
  • The average hospital stay may be up to 12 days.
  • After discharge from the hospital, the patients may complete a cardiac rehabilitation program to rebuild the patient's strength. 
  • An ECG, blood test, and a CXR are necessary for the first review after a week. Most patients can initiate short walks in nearby parks and gradually increase their physical activity. 
  • About a month after the surgery, Most self-employed persons who can regulate their schedules return to work by this period; employees take around two months to recover.

Risks Associated with the Surgery 

During the last 30 years, bypass surgery has already become extremely efficient and painless. Now doctors have better equipment, grafts, surgical and anesthetic techniques, risk factor control, and more efficient medications. Statistically, bypass grafts yield excellent results even after 15 years.

Most individuals, however, are still apprehensive about the complications of this surgery. Several centers across the globe would have been happy if 60-65% of bypass patients survived 40 years ago when methods were not as advanced.

Now, centers aim for nearly 100% survival post-bypass surgery. Most facilities in India have a success rate of more than 99%, while better institutions have a 99.6-99.8% survival rate. In general, this is a safe surgery.

Coronary bypass surgery is indeed significant, but it is safe and yields impressive results. It is better for multiple blockages in specific arteries and in cases where coronary angioplasty is not applicable. The best part is there is a lower risk for follow-up procedures. 

One can contact Dr. Sujay Shah at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for coronary bypass surgery. He repairs the creator's creation, which makes his work unique. Regardless of the circumstances, he must remain motivated and determined, and his single goal is to make others feel better. Approximately 70% of his work is on coronary bypass surgery. Off-Pump CABG is nearly totally used nowadays. He routinely performs double or triple/quadruple artery grafts on younger individuals under 60 with severe coronary lesions. LIMA is utilized for all patients; young patients also get a RIMA or radial graft. Therefore, achieving less than 1 unit transfusion for CABG, less than 3% IABP usage, and less than 0.5% risk of wound infection with adequate monitoring and pre and intraoperative care. Contact them for details like heart surgery costs in Delhi and other such information on heart care.  

Book a visit today!

Monday, March 20, 2023

Understanding Bypass Surgery: What to Expect

The term "cardiovascular disease" is used to define a wide range of problems that impact the anatomy and function of the heart. Coronary heart disease is a type of heart disease that happens when the heart's arteries can't get enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Under these circumstances, a coronary bypass operation is carried out. It is a surgical treatment for the management of coronary artery disease. 

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, the renowned heart surgeon in Delhi, will discuss the surgery's causes, procedure, and aftercare. He will also talk about bypass surgery cost in India.  

Keep reading to understand the bypass surgery procedure in detail. 




What is Bypass Surgery?

A coronary bypass surgery aims at creating a new route, or bypass, for the oxygenated blood to flow around the blocked artery to reach the heart. For this, the surgeon may take healthy blood vessels, or grafts, from the leg vein, arms, or chest artery. The surgeon attaches one end of the graft just above the blockage and the other end under the blockage. Blood travels through the new graft and around the obstruction to get to the heart muscle. 


Why is Bypass Surgery Needed?

Bypass surgery is needed to treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). When the coronary arteries, which provide blood to the heart and other parts of the body, get clogged with plaque, it results in CAD.

The deposits of cholesterol and other chemicals in the arteries make up plaque. Plaque formation over time causes the interior of the arteries to narrow, which can partially or completely obstruct the passage of blood via the arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. It can affect any artery and lack of enough blood supply can increase the risk of cardiac failure.  

If the coronary arteries narrow or become obstructed to the point where one has a significant risk of having a heart attack, the doctor may advise heart bypass surgery. 

Also, if the blockage is too bad to be fixed with medicine or other methods, the doctor may recommend bypass surgery.

The doctor may advise a coronary artery bypass surgery in the following conditions: 

  • When the left main artery is blocked, which carries most of the blood to the heart muscle. 
  • When either of the main heart arteries is blocked partially or completely.  
  • When one suffers severe angina (chest pain) due to narrowed heart arteries. 
  • When one has several clogged coronary arteries, and the left ventricle is now functioning the way it should.


Who is At the Risk of CAD?  

The following conditions may increase a person’s risk of developing coronary artery disease: 

  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Physically inactive 
  • Use of tobacco or smoking 
  • Family history of CAD 
  • High cholesterol levels 
  • Long-term kidney disease 
  • Obesity 
  • Stress 
  • Unhealthy lifestyle and diet 
  • Lack of sleep 


Preparing for Bypass Surgery  

Before the surgery

Coronary bypass surgery is a major surgery and may require many doctor visits and tests before the surgery. One may have to undergo the following tests before the procedure. 

  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  • Angiogram

Apart from this, one week before the surgery, the patient must stop smoking and stop taking anti-inflammatory or other blood-thinning medicines. The patient will be asked to stop eating or drinking anything the night before the surgery.


During the Surgery 

The patient will be provided medicine, fluids, and an anesthetic using an IV. Once the anaesthesia kicks in, the patient will experience no discomfort as they go off to sleep.

 

  • In order to begin, the surgeon makes an incision in the centre of the chest.
  • When the surgeon performs heart surgery, the patient will be connected to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine that pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body.
  • Certain treatments can be carried out without attaching the patient to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine or "off-pump."
  • In order to bypass the narrowed or damaged section of the artery, the surgeon next takes a healthy blood vessel from the legs, chest, or arms. The graft is connected with one end above the obstruction and the other below.
  • When the surgeon is done, the bypass is tested to ensure it works. When the bypass has begun to function, the incision will be sewn up, and bandaged. 
  • After this, the patient will be observed in the intensive care unit (ICU).


Bypass surgery is a complex and major surgery, and the recovery takes time. Dr. Sujay Shad observes his patient in his hospital for at least a week. In some cases, he carries on the remaining post-surgery treatment for about a month or even two until he is sure that his patient is completely fine. 

One can visit Dr. Sujay Shad, the top heart surgeon in India,  at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for any further queries on the topic, like how much bypass surgery cost in India or any other cardiac disease. 

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Bypass Surgery: Detailed Information Shared by Expert Surgeon

 The cardiovascular disorders have been increasing rapidly, taking around 17 million lives of patients every year. The most common heart problems include arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, etc. The increasing numbers result from risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, alcohol and cigarette usage, and inactivity. Various procedures are performed to manage heart problems, such as coronary angioplasty, valve replacement, heart bypass surgery, etc.

In this article, Dr. Sujay Shad, the best Heart Surgery Doctor in India, discusses coronary bypass surgery in detail. Read on to learn more.


What is Bypass Surgery?

A heart bypass surgery is a procedure that helps to improve the blood flow and supply of oxygen through the heart. During this procedure, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from a different body part and attaches it to the blocked portion by ultimately bypassing it. Diverting the blood flow with the help of coronary bypass surgery is a well-known treatment for atherosclerosis, which causes coronary artery disease. Individuals who are obese and have a high-fat diet are susceptible to such a disease. Although the open-heart technique makes this procedure invasive, keyhole and robotic surgery have been developed to lessen the invasiveness.


Who Needs a Heart Bypass Surgery? 

When a waxy substance known as plaque deposits on the arterial wall, the blood flow to the heart gets affected, which causes a heart attack. One needs bypass surgery if the arteries are narrowed or blocked and when medication and angioplasty fail. The cardiologist will ask one to undergo several diagnostic tests or procedures. Based on the test results, the cardiologist will determine how severe the heart disease is, the number of arteries blocked, and where they are narrowed. Depending on the tests, a CABG is advised.


What are the Different Types of Heart Bypass Surgery?

Depending on the blocked arteries, the surgeon will recommend the type of bypass surgery. These include: 

Single bypass: One artery is blocked

Double bypass: Two arteries are blocked

Triple bypass: Three arteries are blocked

Quadruple bypass: Four arteries are blocked


The number of blocked arteries affects the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, heart failure, or other cardiac problems. More artery blockages also raise the probability that the procedure will take longer or be more complex. To learn about the Bypass Surgery Cost in Delhi, consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon, at  Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. 

 

What Happens During Heart Bypass Surgery?

  • During the surgery, a breathing tube is inserted in the mouth, which gets attached to a ventilator. 
  • The surgeon makes an extended cut in the middle of the chest. He will spread a rib cage open to reach the heart. 
  • The surgical team uses medications to stop the heart. With the help of a heart-lung machine, blood and oxygen flow through the body while the heart stops beating. 
  • The surgeon will remove a blood vessel, called a graft, from other areas of the body, such as the chest, legs, or arms. The surgeon will attach one end to the aorta, a large artery that comes out of the heart, and the other end gets connected to an artery below the blockage. The graft creates a new route for the blood to travel to the heart. 
  • If one has multiple blockages, the surgeon may perform more bypass procedures during the same surgery. This includes double bypass, triple bypass, etc. 

In some cases, the surgeon may not stop the heart. These are referred to as “off-pump” procedures. Some surgeries rely on the help of robotic devices, and the surgeon will recommend the best operation for the patient.


What Happens After Heart Bypass Surgery?

The patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring the condition. One will be still breathing with the ventilator and may have after-heart bypass surgery side effects, including:

  • Pain with deep breaths
  • Pain when coughing
  • Pain at the incision site

These are normal and will disappear in a few days. The vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will be regularly monitored while one is in the ICU for one to two days. After the condition becomes stable, the patient will be shifted from the ICU to the normal room and discharged in 3 to 5 days. Before leaving, the medical team will give instructions on how to take care of themselves and the dos and don’ts to follow after the surgery.


Are there any Risks Associated with Bypass Surgery?

Every procedure carries a unique set of risks. The risks of surgery depend on factors such as the patient's lifestyle, age, the extent of the disease, the surgeon's experience, and post-operative care. Some of the risks of coronary artery bypass surgery include the following -

  • Bleeding before or after the surgery
  • Respiratory issues
  • Blot clots that dislodge and lead to stroke or heart attacks
  • Pneumonia
  • Infection near the sutures
  • Graft failure


How Long is the Recovery of Bypass Surgery? 

Recovery from heart bypass surgery is a slow process that can take two to three months. After surgery, it's quite normal to feel sad and uneasy. The surgeon will set up several follow-up sessions throughout the first few months to monitor the progress. However, one should visit the surgeon immediately if one feels worse or experiences any symptoms. This include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Fever above 100 degrees
  • Discharge or redness around the incision
  • Increased chest pain


What are the Tips for Quick Recovery from Bypass Surgery? 

  • Stay away from driving for 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Refrain from involving in intense workouts. One can perform cardiac rehabilitation instead if recommended by the surgeon. Cardiac rehabilitation is a customised exercise program offering lifestyle education and nutrition. After completing this program, one can work on fitness.
  • Perform household work when one recovers.
  • Most patients can resume their work after six days. However, if the job involves physical tasks, one must ask the surgeon before continuing the work. It can take three months to resume work with full strength.
  • The recovery time depends on the overall health, the activities one performs, and the number of bypass surgeries one has had.


For more information about bypass surgery, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgery doctor in India at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. 

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

How does open-heart surgery differ from bypass surgery?

Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects can require surgical interventions to treat and manage the condition. In some cases, medications, lifestyle changes, and other non-surgical interventions may be sufficient, but surgery may be necessary for more severe cases or when other treatments have failed. Open-heart surgery and bypass surgery are two common types of surgeries used to treat heart conditions. It is important to consult with a qualified cardiac specialist to determine the best course of treatment for any heart condition.


In this article, Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgeon in Delhi, discusses these differences and a successful heart surgery cost in Delhi



Open Heart Surgery


Open heart surgery is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the chest to access the heart. During the course, the patient is put under general anesthesia, and the heart is stopped for a period, allowing the cardiac surgeon to perform the necessary repairs or procedures. The heart-lung machine is used to take over the functions of the heart during this time.

Open heart surgery is commonly used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including:

  • Coronary artery disease - when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed, reducing blood flow to the heart.
  • Heart valve disease - when the valves that regulate blood flow through the heart are not functioning correctly.
  • Aortic aneurysms - when the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body, becomes enlarged.
  • Congenital heart defects - when the heart has structural abnormalities from birth.

 

The procedure involves making an incision in the chest and cutting through the breastbone to access the heart.

Once the heart is exposed, the patient is connected to a heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs. This allows the surgeon to work on the heart while it is not beating. During open heart surgery, the surgeon may perform various procedures, including:


  1. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) -This procedure involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to bypass a blocked or narrowed artery in the heart.
  2. Mitral Valve Repair or Replacement - It is a procedure that involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves. The mitral valve residing between the heart chambers is the important valve. It regulates the blood flow in both directions; as a result, leaky valves are pretty standard. This valve issue can be repaired. Visit Dr Sujay Shad for Mitral Valve repair in India.
  3. Aortic Aneurysm Repair - It is a procedure that involves repairing or replacing the aorta.
  4. Congenital Heart Defect Repair - It is a procedure that involves repairing the structural abnormalities of the heart.


Bypass Surgery


Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure for treating coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. When this happens, the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to chest pain, a heart attack, and other complications.

Bypass surgery involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery in the heart. This creates a new route for blood to flow to the heart, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.

Bypass surgery is typically recommended for people with severe coronary artery disease who have not responded to other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes. The procedure can also be performed in an emergency, such as during a heart attack.



Key Differences between Bypass and Open Heart Surgery


While both open heart surgery and bypass surgery involve surgery on the heart, there are several key differences between the two procedures.

  1. Indications: Open heart surgery can be used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, aortic aneurysms, and congenital heart defects. Bypass surgery, on the other hand, is typically used to treat severe coronary artery disease that has not responded to other treatments.
  2. Technique: Open heart surgery involves making an incision in the chest and cutting through the breastbone to access the heart. Bypass surgery involves creating a new route for blood to flow to the heart by taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery in the heart. This procedure is typically used to treat severe coronary artery disease that has not responded to other treatments.
  3. Type of heart condition to treat: Bypass surgery is primarily used to treat coronary artery disease, while open heart surgery can treat various heart conditions.


While both bypass surgery and open heart surgery involve surgery on the heart, they differ in the type of heart condition they treat, the technique used during the procedure, and the recovery time required. One cardiac surgeon will determine which procedure is best for the individual based on needs and conditions.


Cost of heart surgery in Delhi


The cost of heart surgery in Delhi, India, can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of procedure, the hospital or clinic where the procedure is performed, the surgeon's experience and qualifications, and the patient's overall health. So one needs to visit the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi for the best heart treatment.


The success rate of heart surgery in Delhi


Success rates for heart surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure and the patient's overall health, but Dr. Sujay Shad, who practices at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, reports success rates of over 90% for common procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve replacement.


Hopefully, this article has touched on all the significant aspects of bypass and open heart surgery. Book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad to learn more about the treatments and the exact heart surgery cost in Delhi.

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