Coronary Bypass Surgery: Ideal Candidates, Procedure and Recovery

The blood vessels that provide the heart with oxygen, nutrition, and energy are called coronary arteries. A serious narrowing or blockage of these arteries may result in a heart attack or other complications. Thus, it is crucial to maintain the heart's blood supply. In these cases, coronary bypass surgery is performed.

In this blog, we will learn about coronary bypass surgery in detail, including ideal candidates, the procedure of the surgery, and the recovery period. To help readers understand it better with proper knowledge, we have gathered information from Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart doctor in Delhi. Keep reading to learn.

Understanding Coronary Bypass Surgery

When a coronary artery becomes clogged or obstructed to the point where blood flow becomes unnatural, doctors can design a bypass to restore normal blood flow. When there is complete or partial blockage of the coronary arteries, bypass surgery is done. With coronary artery bypass surgery, a blocked or partially blocked cardiac artery is bypassed by a new blood vessel. During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel from the leg or chest is removed. The blood vessels are linked beneath the clogged cardiac artery. The new pathway improves the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

Ideal Candidates for Coronary Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery opens a blocked heart artery and allows blood to flow through it again. In cases where other immediate treatments are not working, the surgery might be performed as an emergency heart attack treatment. If a person has any of the following conditions, the doctor may advise coronary artery bypass surgery:

1. A blockage in the left main heart artery. The heart muscle receives a large amount of blood from this artery.
2. Severe narrowing of the main heart artery.
3. Severe pain in the chest brought on by multiple heart artery narrowing. Even when the heart is at rest or only slightly exerted, the narrowing decreases blood flow to it.
4. More than one damaged coronary artery and poor function of the left lower chamber of the heart.
5. A heart artery blockage that is unresponsive to coronary angioplasty treatment. This minimally invasive procedure enlarges the artery by using a balloon at the end of a thin tube known as a catheter. To keep the artery open, a tiny coil known as a stent is usually utilized.
6. An angioplasty with or without a stent that hasn't worked. For instance, following stenting, an artery narrowed once again.

What is the Coronary Bypass Surgery Procedure?

When a patient has multiple bypasses, complex vascular disease, or other underlying medical conditions like diabetes, heart bypass surgery is the recommended course of treatment. 

An open bypass procedure has the following stages: 

1. General Anesthesia: An anesthesiologist will put the patient to sleep with a general anesthesia to make him ready for surgery and insert a breathing tube into the patient's windpipe.
2. Graft Vessel Harvesting: The patient's leg, arm, or chest will be used by surgeons to remove the vessels that are needed for the procedure.
3. Incision and Opening: To reach the patient's heart, the surgeon will cut an incision in the middle of their chest and separate their sternum. At this point, they will momentarily stop the heart from beating.
4. Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Doctors may place a person on cardiopulmonary bypass. In order to do this, the patient must be hooked up to a machine that will operate their heart and lungs. This bypass does not have to be used for every surgery.
5. Grafting: To reroute blood flow, surgeons will affix the new graft vessels to both sides of the blockages.
6. Restoring Blood Flow: If cardiopulmonary bypass is required, doctors will remove it and verify that blood is passing through the grafted vessel as intended.
7. Closure: The surgeons will use metal wires to secure the sternum and suture up the incision site after verifying that blood is flowing through the graft. The patient will be admitted to an intensive care unit in order to heal.

Usually, the process takes three to six hours. However, this can change based on the number of grafts an individual needs.

Recovery After Surgery

1. First 3-5 days

The majority of patients begin to walk to the bathroom and based on a variety of clinical factors, they may be moved to the ward or SICU. During this time, patients are gradually becoming more independent in meeting their own needs, even though nurses and doctors are always present.

2. Initial Evaluation following a Week

A CXR, an ECG, and a few blood tests are necessary for this clinic visit. Most patients are able to increase their exercise by going for short walks in the nearby parks.

3. One Month Following Surgery

It takes about two months for people in employment to regain strength; most independent workers who have control over their schedules have returned to work by this point.

Conclusion

During a coronary bypass procedure, a blood vessel from the arms, legs, or chest is cut out and used to create a bypass or detour around the blockage in the coronary artery. This enables blood to reach the heart again. Heart bypass surgery lowers the risk of death and heart attack and is a relatively safe and effective procedure. Additionally, the procedure may lessen chest pain, which is one of the symptoms of coronary artery disease. 

If one is concerned about the surgery or the bypass surgery cost in Delhi, they may consult with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The coronary bypass surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital starts at Rs. 3,55,000. Dr. Shad is one of the most well known heart doctors and has delivered many successful surgeries at very reasonable prices. To get the benefits, consult the doctor now!

Can One Live A Long Life After Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart Bypass Surgery or Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon creates a bypass around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, allowing increased blood flow to the open grafts beyond the blockage to supply blood to the heart muscles. If other immediate treatments fail, the surgery may be performed as an emergency treatment for a heart attack. 

Individuals who undergo this surgery or those who are recommended to get it have numerous questions on their minds. One such common question is: what would be the life expectancy after a heart bypass surgery?

This blog is being drafted to answer this question and explain the factors that would determine the life expectancy after this surgery. The information is being gathered from the insights of the expert and senior heart doctor in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad, to make this a valuable guide for the readers. The post will also include why getting this surgery is essential in the first place and in what situations the doctor advises the surgical procedure. Let’s begin by learning the importance of getting heart bypass surgery. 

Why is Heart Bypass Surgery Essential?

The heart has three major coronary arteries. Over time, fatty deposits can form on the inside of these arteries, resulting in Coronary Heart Disease and decreased blood flow to the heart. When this occurs, one may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart attack.

The number of blocked coronary arteries determines whether the patient has single-, dual-, or triple-artery disease. Heart bypass surgery is used to relieve the symptoms of coronary heart disease and reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

When Would Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Advice?

If one has any of the following conditions, the doctor may advise one to have coronary artery bypass surgery:

• A blockage in the left main coronary artery. This artery carries a lot of blood to the heart muscle.
• The main heart artery is severely constricted.
• Severe chest pain is caused by the narrowing of several heart arteries. The narrowing reduces blood flow to the heart even during light exercise or rest.
• More than one diseased heart artery and the lower left heart chamber aren't working correctly.
• A heart artery blockage that cannot be treated with coronary angioplasty. A balloon attached to the tip of a thin tube called a catheter is used to widen the artery. A small coil known as a stent is typically used to keep the artery open.
• An unsuccessful angioplasty with or without a stent. An artery, for example, narrowed again after stenting.

How Long Will One Live Following Bypass Surgery?

While the answer will differ for each individual, there is good news in general: patients who have CABG or heart bypass surgery can and often do live long, healthy lives afterward.

Those who successfully complete a heart bypass and survive the first month of recovery have a survival rate comparable to the general population. And they're doing it with significantly improved heart function!

However, listening to the cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologist, and other medical providers is key to living a healthy life. One has worked hard to repair the heart; now it's time to keep it in top condition.

What are the Results of Heart Bypass Surgery?

Most people feel better after recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery. Some people have been symptom-free for years. However, the graft or other arteries may clog in the future. If this occurs, one may require another surgery or procedure.

The long-term outcome is determined by how well one controls blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. It is critical to take the medications exactly as prescribed.

What Are the Lifestyle Changes To Keep The Heart Healthy?

Making lifestyle changes can help one manage and even improve heart health. Try the following steps:

• One should not smoke. Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for heart disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to lower the risk of heart disease and its complications.
• Eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consume less sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
• Control the weight. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease. One should enquire with the doctor about what constitutes a healthy weight for them.
• Exercise. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are all risk factors for heart disease that can be managed with regular exercise. With the doctor's permission, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. The doctor will guide when it is safe to resume exercising after surgery.
• Get enough rest. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases. Adults should sleep for 7 to 9 hours per day.

Conclusion

Although most people recover well from heart bypass surgery, it is important to remember that the procedure does not treat the underlying coronary heart disease. As a result, it is critical to take care of the heart by adhering to lifestyle recommendations suggested by the doctor. 

In most cases, heart bypass surgery can save a person's life. However, one should have this surgery only after consulting with an experienced heart surgeon. The surgeon will guide one the best about the surgery. One can consult Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, home to the best heart surgeon. Make an appointment if one wants to learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi or have any concerns about the procedure.

The  doctor and insurance experts at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, can help you get details on this surgery cost and if this is covered in insurance. Contact for more details!

What is Worse Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest?

There is a widespread misconception that heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest are similar, if not the same, conditions. However, because both are medical emergencies involving heart health, distinguishing between them is important. A blood clot typically blocks the heart's blood supply during a heart attack, whereas an electrical failure causes the heart to stop beating completely during a sudden cardiac arrest. 

From this, one can easily understand that cardiac arrest is more severe, as it can lead to death within minutes if proper care is not provided.

Furthermore, this blog is being made to dispel the myth that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are the same thing, as well as to inform readers on which is more fatal. This essay was written using critical information taken from the insights of Dr. Sujay Shad, a prominent heart doctor in Delhi practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. We will determine which of these two conditions is more dangerous. Furthermore, we will go over these conditions, their symptoms, and the reasons for them. Let’s now go right into the details.

Heart Attack: It’s Causes & Symptoms

A heart attack ensues when the flow of blood to the heart from one or more coronary arteries is diminished or blocked. 

Causes: The obstruction is mainly caused by a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries leading to the heart (coronary). Plaques are fatty, cholesterol-containing formations.

Symptoms: Some signs of a heart attack are more common than others. However, most people associate a heart attack with chest pain. However, it's important to remember that not every heart attack presents "classically." In some individuals, particularly women and people assigned female at birth, diabetics and the elderly may also develop "atypical" symptoms with their heart attack. It includes symptoms such as abdominal or back pain or even no symptoms at all.

Among the Symptoms are:

• Angina (a type of chest pain)
• Breathing difficulty
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Indigestion or nausea
• Palpitations in the heart
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Cardiac Arrest: It’s Causes & Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is a potentially life-threatening disorder in which the heart stops beating. The heart is no longer pumping blood. This puts the organs and the entire body at risk of death within minutes. They must be supplied with oxygen at all times. The oxygen is delivered via blood.

Causes: The majority of abrupt cardiac arrests are caused by abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation is the most frequent life-threatening arrhythmia. This is characterized by unpredictable, disorganized impulse firing from the heart's ventricles (bottom chambers). When this occurs, the heart becomes unable to pump blood. One could die in minutes if one does not receive treatment.

Other causes of cardiac arrest include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart problems that are present from birth
• Changes in the structure of the heart are caused by disease or infection
• Excessive physical exertion or blood loss.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest may include:

• Fainting
• Chest discomfort
• Breathing difficulty
• Vomiting and nausea
• Palpitations in the heart
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Difference B/w Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest

A heart attack can be fatal. Plaque usually clogs the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The heart's muscle tissue can begin to die if it is deprived of oxygen and nourishment. The goal is to get blood flowing back to the heart as soon as possible; otherwise, a heart attack can cause irreversible damage and even death. 

In contrast, the heart begins racing in a confused, disorganized manner after cardiac arrest. Almost immediately, blood ceases to circulate. One falls unconscious, ceases breathing, and has no pulse. The brain begins to die from a lack of oxygen and blood flow unless the heartbeat is restored as soon as possible. According to Cleveland Clinic research, less than 10% of persons who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest survive. 

What is Worse, Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest

The information provided above makes it clear that cardiac arrests are more life threatening than heart attacks. Heart attacks do not cause the heart to cease fully beating, as it does during a cardiac arrest. Furthermore, a cardiac arrest necessitates prompt medical attention. Because a lack of timely medical assistance might result in death within minutes, a heart attack still has a possibility of survival. 

In addition, the treatment for heart attack includes medications and surgical procedures such as Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and Coronary angioplasty and stenting. Some doctors also suggest cardiac rehabilitation. However, the treatments for cardiac arrest involve Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), Coronary angioplasty, Coronary artery bypass surgery, Radiofrequency catheter ablation, and Corrective heart surgery. 

Note: The expert heart surgeon determines the best treatment options after a thorough examination of the patient’s condition. 

Conclusion

Both a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are serious heart disorders. If one is experiencing any difficulties that reflect indications of either of the two diseases, one should seek immediate medical attention.

In such instances, one can seek the advice of Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart surgeon and transplant specialist. The skilled surgeon is a pioneer in the field of heart surgery. He provides superior care to his patients based on his extensive experience spanning more than three decades. He is well-known for doing successful procedures such as coronary bypass surgery, aortic surgery, heart valve surgery, septal myectomy for HOCM, and many more. One can visit the surgeon to learn more about these surgeries and their expenses, such as the bypass surgery cost in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

When Heart Bypass Surgery is Recommended?

The most important role of the heart is to pump blood to all cells of the body, and the blood vessels offer a pathway for the blood to travel. The doctor might suggest heart bypass surgery if one or more arteries are damaged or partially obstructed.

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, a famous heart doctor in Delhi, has given crucial information which is utilized to discuss what heart bypass surgery is and when it is recommended. Continue reading for more insights.

What is Heart Bypass Surgery?

A heart bypass surgery is performed to improve the blood circulation of the heart. During the surgery, a heart surgeon takes blood vessels from other areas of the body to bypass the blocked or damaged arteries. The risk of a heart attack and other heart-related issues decreases after this procedure. Usually, the procedure is carried out when coronary arteries become clogged or damaged.

Depending on how many arteries are blocked, the doctor may recommend the following:

• Single Bypass Surgery– One artery gets blocked
• Double Bypass Surgery– Two arteries get blocked
• Triple Bypass Surgery– Three arteries get blocked
• Quadruple Bypass Surgery – Four arteries get blocked

To learn more about bypass surgery, one can consider booking a consultation with the best heart surgeon in Delhi, i.e., Dr. Sujay Shad, at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

When Can One Consider Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is advised in situations of severe coronary artery disease. The decision to recommend heart bypass surgery is based on several factors, including:

1. Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A bypass surgery is recommended when there are major blockages or narrowing in coronary arteries, especially if these blockages are impeding blood flow to the heart muscles.

2. Symptoms: If a person with coronary artery disease experiences severe chest pain that is not controlled with medications, despite making lifestyle changes, this may require bypass surgery.

3. Failed Medical Treatment: If lifestyle changes and medications fail to manage the symptoms of coronary artery diseases, surgery would be advised.

4. Heart Function: If the heart’s pumping function is affected due to coronary artery disease, surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow and the overall functioning of the heart.

5. Location of Blockages: The location and complexity of the blockages could also play a major role. If the blockages are present in critical arteries or are difficult to treat using less invasive methods such as angioplasty or stenting, bypass surgery could be considered an effective option.

6. Number of Blockages: If there are multiple blockages that are difficult to treat with other interventions, bypass surgery could be recommended.

7. Overall Health of the Patient: The patient's general health and ability to undergo the surgery are important factors. Factors such as the presence of other medical conditions, age, and surgical risks are considered.

One must understand that heart bypass surgery is a major procedure, and the decision to undergo the surgery depends on the surgeon. The surgeon will thoroughly review the patient's medical history, test results, symptoms, and general health before deciding on the surgery.

Who is Not a Suitable Candidate for Heart Bypass Surgery?

One may not be a suitable candidate for heart bypass surgery if they have:

• Pre-existing conditions such as blood disease, heart valve diseases, etc.
• Severe physical disabilities, such as the inability to take care of themselves
• Diseases of other organs, such as the kidneys or lungs
• Advanced illnesses such as cancer, liver failure, or AIDS.

What Happens After a Bypass Surgery?

The patient will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) to monitor the condition. They will still be breathing with the ventilator but could be experiencing some of the heart bypass surgery side effects. This will include pain while breathing, coughing, and at the incision site. These are normal and will become better in a few days. The vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will be regularly monitored while the patient is in the ICU for one to two days. The patient will be shifted from the intensive care unit to a regular room once the condition is stable, and from there, they will be discharged in 3 to 5 days.

One can follow these tips for speeding up their recovery process:

• Do not drive for at least six to eight weeks.
• Avoid indulging in intense workouts. Instead, perform cardiac rehabilitation if the doctor has recommended it. Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized workout program that teaches healthy living habits.
• Perform simple household work only when one recovers.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol.

The duration of the bypass surgery depends on the patient's overall health and the type of bypass surgeries one has had. To learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a reputed heart specialist at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Besides heart bypass surgeries, he can also be consulted for other heart procedures such as heart transplants, aortic surgeries, heart valve surgery, aortic dissection, etc.

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! 

Heart Bypass Surgery: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Procedure, And More

Heart bypass surgery is used to treat a blocked artery bypassing a blocked artery to improve blood flow to the heart. The surgeon uses a healthy blood channel from another part of the body to connect to the beginning and end of the obstruction, allowing blood to flow in a different direction. This new channel allows blood to pass through the restricted area, allowing more blood to reach the heart.

Coronary artery disease is treated with heart bypass surgery. Plaque, a waxy substance inside the heart's arteries, blocks blood and oxygen from reaching it. Depending upon the complexity of the surgery the bypass surgery cost in Delhi is determined by the heart bypass surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr. Sujay Shad.

Depending on how many arteries are blocked, there are four main types of heart bypass surgery:

• Single-bypass surgery
• Double bypass surgery
• Triple bypass surgery
• Quadruple bypass surgery.

 Symptoms of blocked arteries

• Coronary artery disease occurs when the coronary arteries become obstructed.
• Numerous factors contribute to this, including genetics, lifestyle, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. As the arteries narrow and the heart loses oxygen, symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack occur, in which a piece of the heart muscle dies from a lack of oxygen.
• Angina is commonly described as chest discomfort but not constantly uncomfortable. Most patients describe it as an uncomfortable feeling or tightness in the chest, with discomfort in the left arm, shoulder, jaw, or abdomen.
• Some people with coronary artery disease do not experience any discomfort or tightness and may even have a so-called silent heart attack. Women and diabetics are more prone to this.

Why is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery done?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed for two reasons: to ease coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms such as angina and to improve survival when there are significant or many blockages in the heart arteries. When medical treatments such as blood thinners and drugs that relax the arteries, lower the heart rate and lessen chest pain have not been able to improve symptoms of CAD, it is performed either as an emergency procedure after a heart attack or as an elective procedure.

Ideal candidates for heart bypass surgery

The build-up of a fatty material known as "plaque" can constrict or clog the coronary arteries. It is known as atherosclerosis. If a patient has many sites of atherosclerosis, the doctor may advise heart bypass surgery. If a patient has:

• Pain in the chest that does not improve with medication
• Unstable angina
• Had a previous heart attack
• Coronary artery disease: not appropriate for coronary angioplasty or stenting.

Diagnosis

The common route to surgery would generally begin when a patient seems to have chest tightness after walking up a hill that resolves when they stop walking. The doctor may arrange for a stress test in which the patient exercises on a treadmill.

At the same time, the heart is monitored using ultrasonography (echocardiography) or an ECG to look for signs of oxygen depletion (ischemia). If the stress test is positive and there are signs of oxygen starvation, the patient will be referred to a cardiologist, who will perform coronary angiography.

The angiography will assess the degree of coronary disease and whether the patient requires surgery or alternative medicinal therapy.

Before the procedure

Blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and chest X-rays will be conducted before surgery. Coronary angiography is an X-ray procedure that a physician may use. A special dye is used to show how blood flows through arteries.

Patients will also be informed if any dietary or lifestyle changes, as well as prescription changes, are required before surgery. Inform the doctor about any vitamins or supplements the patient is taking, even if they are natural, in case they increase the risk of bleeding. Patients must also plan for their post-surgery recovery.

During the procedure

Coronary artery bypass surgery is done either open or through an incision in the sternum.

During the procedure, a healthy blood vessel is removed from a body part such as the leg (long saphenous vein), arm (radial artery), or chest (internal thoracic artery). The heart is carefully stopped while the grafts are being generated. During this time, a heart-lung machine mimics the heart and lungs by delivering oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and keeping the blood flowing.

If the artery graft is obtained from the leg or arm, one end is joined to the aorta, and the other end is attached to the coronary artery beyond the obstruction by fine sutures. Blood can now readily reach the heart after bypassing the blocked and constricted region.

If the internal thoracic artery is being used, the surgeon will redirect it by removing one end of it and reattaching it below the blocked section of the coronary artery.

After the surgery, the heart will be restarted, the heart-lung machine removed, and the incision repaired with absorbable sutures. The sternum bone is reconstructed with stainless steel wires that remain in place when the bone heals. They are inert, do not set off metal detectors, and are MRI-compatible after 6–8 weeks.

If one wants to know about this surgery in detail they can consult with Dr. Sujay Shad, Heart Surgery Doctor in India at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

After the procedure

• When a person wakes up, a tube will be put into their throat to assist them with breathing, and it will be uncomfortable and disturbing, but it is necessary, and within 24 hours, a doctor will usually remove the tube.
• On average, a person will spend around a week in the hospital after surgery, and soreness and night sweats are normal, and patients can expect to cough a lot because there may be some fluid in the lungs.
• Most patients start eating and moving around after removing the breathing tube.
• Platelet inhibitors are routinely used as post-surgery therapy to help prevent blood clots.

Post-operative guidelines

Patients must follow a few post-operative guidelines after surgery, which include:

• Lifting heavy objects, performing rigorous exercises, and driving should be avoided for several weeks after surgery to allow the sternum to recover.
• To alleviate chest pain and avoid blood clots, medications may be recommended.
• While recuperating, the doctor may advise patients to wear compression stockings around the calf muscles.
• Patients should consult the doctor when they notice redness, swelling, irregular heartbeats, palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or weakness.

Patients can treat or prevent the advancement of CAD with lifestyle changes, such as:

• Exercise regularly.
• Consume a low-salt, low-cholesterol diet.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Lose weight if a patient is overweight.
• Control diabetes and high blood pressure.

For more information on heart bypass surgery in Delhi, and how this is performed. Consult Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi. All types of heart surgeries are performed at the hospital in patients of all ages.

Heart Bypass Surgery: Purpose & Procedure

 Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is performed to improve the heart's blood flow. A surgeon can bypass the damaged arteries by removing blood vessels from another body part. Worldwide about 200,000 of life saving heart surgeries are done by doctors annually.

Contrary to popular belief, there are numerous misconceptions concerning bypass surgery, and many believe it can have negative outcomes. Individuals with blockages that cover more than 70% of their arteries are candidates for this surgery since angioplasty, which involves placing stents in the arteries to enhance blood flow, is ineffective. Some basic factors about bypass surgery are addressed by Dr. Sujay Shad, Professor, Senior Consultant in Cardiac Surgery, Director of Cardiac Transplants at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and the top heart doctor in Delhi.

What is Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart bypass surgery is performed when coronary arteries become clogged or damaged. The oxygenated blood is delivered to the heart by these arteries. If these arteries are blocked, or blood flow is restricted, the heart cannot work properly. This may result in heart failure.

Bypass surgery is one of the most popular kinds of open-heart surgery. Most people have great outcomes and enjoy a decade or longer of symptom-free living. One will still require a balanced diet, regular exercise, and perhaps medication to stop more blockages. However, before the procedure, one should be aware of what to expect, how to prepare, potential difficulties, and the course of the recovery.

Why Does One Need a Heart Bypass?

The symptoms of coronary artery disease are treated with bypass surgery. This occurs when plaque, a waxy substance, accumulates inside the arteries of the heart and prevents blood and oxygen from getting to it.

Heart bypass surgery may be recommended by the doctor if,

• One experiences severe chest discomfort that the doctor believes is caused by a blockage in a number of the arteries that carry blood to the heart.
• The left ventricle, which pumps the majority of the blood, isn't functioning as it should because at least one of the coronary arteries is diseased.
• The left main coronary artery, which supplies the majority of the blood to the left ventricle, is blocked.
• Other procedures one has undergone either didn't work or made the arteries narrower once more.
• One now has obstructions.

A coronary artery disease can result in heart attack. It can result in a blood clot and stop the flow of blood. The sufferer can benefit greatly from a bypass procedure.

What Happens During a Heart Bypass?

Most procedures last between three and six hours. One will be sleeping off the entire time. The doctor will place a breathing tube in the patient's mouth. It is connected to a ventilator, which will take care of breathing during and immediately after the procedure.

• The heart surgeon will cut down the chest from the centre. The patient’s rib cage will then be spread open, allowing the surgeon access to the heart.
• The patient’s heart will be momentarily stopped using medicines by the surgical team. While the heart isn't beating, a device known as a heart-lung machine will keep blood and oxygen moving through the patient's body.
• A blood vessel, known as a graft, will then be removed by the surgeon from another area of the body, such as the chest, leg, or arm. One end of it will be connected to the patient's aorta, a sizable artery that leaves the heart. The second end is then attached to an artery that is below the obstruction.
• Due to the graft, the blood now has a new pathway to the heart. The surgeon might do several bypass procedures during the same procedure if one has many blockages (double bypass, triple bypass, etc.).
• The surgeon might not need to stop the heart in some circumstances. Others merely require minor trims. These procedures are named "keyhole." They are referred to as "off-pump" procedures.
• Robotic surgical tools are used during some operations. The optimal surgery for one will be suggested by the heart surgeon after a proper examination.

Before the procedure, one should discuss these with the surgeon. One will be able to exercise more, and the chances of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. The procedure can lengthen one’s life, which is the best part. 

One can get the best heart bypass surgery done by the renowned heart surgeon Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, heart hospital in Delhi. The doctor will first thoroughly examine the patient before making the best recommendations. 

Visit Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to learn more about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi.