Reasons for Undergoing CABG Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting is an open heart surgery that is performed to treat one or more blockages in the heart arteries that are responsible for supplying the heart muscles with oxygen-rich blood. If a heart artery gets blocked, it can cause chest pain or discomfort and other unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath. A blocked artery can also lead to a heart attack.

To provide the readers with a better understanding of the reasons for undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has shared important insights about the same in this blog. Keep reading to learn more.

Who is Eligible for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?

The patient is eligible for coronary artery bypass grafting if they suffer from severe coronary artery diseases that are difficult to correct with stent placement or angioplasty. The surgery could be risky if one has the following:

• Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, or lung disease
• Consume a lot of alcohol

Note: The eligibility criteria for various heart surgeries differ from patient to patient and largely depend on their general health, medical history, and medical conditions. To know if you are eligible for a procedure, it is best to consult a heart surgeon. For further queries, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgeon in Delhi, India, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Why Does One Undergo CABG Surgery?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is a common procedure that treats severe coronary artery diseases. Here are some of the reasons why one might want to undergo CABG surgery:

1. Severe Coronary Artery Diseases: A heart surgeon recommends CABG for patients with significant blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery. This condition can restrict the blood flow to the heart, lead to chest pain, and increase the chances of a heart attack.
2. Failed Medical Management: If lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments have not been successful in controlling the symptoms of coronary artery disease, CABG may be an effective treatment option.
3. Multiple Blockages: CABG is also chosen when there are multiple blockages in the coronary arteries or if the arteries are located in critical areas. In such a case, the procedure asks for bypassing the blocked arteries with the help of healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body. This helps correct the blood flow.
4. Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: The left main artery is responsible for supplying a large portion of the heart with blood. If this artery gets blocked, it increases the risk of a heart attack. CABG is recommended to bypass the blockage and restore blood flow to the heart.
5. Chronic Stable Angina: Patients with chronic stable angina, a condition that is characterized by recurrent chest pain or discomfort during physical activities, undergo a CABG to relieve the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
6. Emergency Cases: CABG is performed as an emergency procedure after a heart attack if the patient is unstable or if other interventions, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), are not suitable.

Note: One must understand that the decision to undergo CABG surgery is based on a thorough evaluation by a professional. The reasons for undergoing the surgery may vary depending on the medical condition of the patient and their overall health.

How is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Performed?

There are two different methods for performing a CABG surgery. These include:

1. On-pump CABG, which is the traditional way of performing CABG
2. Off-pump CABG is the newer way.

On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Involves Steps As Below:

• The patient will be administered general anesthesia by the heart surgeon.
• A breathing tube will be inserted into the patient's heart to help the patient breathe.
• To drain the urine, a catheter is inserted into the bladder.
• Once the anesthesia starts taking effect, the heart surgeon makes an incision over the breastbone called the sternum.
• The surgeon then cuts the breastbone, and this procedure is called a median (middle) sternotomy (cutting of the sternum).
• Once the sternum is cut, the surgeon opens the rib cage to reach the heart.

To learn about bypass surgery cost in Delhi, book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a well-known heart surgeon, at Delhi’s prestigious hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, today!