Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
At Apex Heart Hospital, we offer Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) — a highly effective surgical treatment for patients with severe coronary artery disease. Performed by experienced cardiothoracic surgeons in our advanced operating theatres, CABG can significantly improve blood flow to the heart, relieve symptoms like chest pain, and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
What is CABG?
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. Over time, plaque (a mixture of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) can build up on the artery walls, restricting blood flow and leading to symptoms such as angina or even a heart attack.
- CABG involves creating a new pathway (bypass) around the blocked arteries by grafting a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body. This allows blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle.
Who Needs CABG?
CABG is recommended for patients who have:
- Severe blockages in multiple coronary arteries
- Significant narrowing in the left main coronary artery
- Poor response to medication or angioplasty
- Ongoing chest pain or breathlessness despite treatment
- Blockages not suitable for stenting
The CABG Procedure
CABG is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of bypasses required.
1. Harvesting the Graft Vessels
Surgeons take healthy blood vessels from the leg (saphenous vein), chest (internal mammary artery), or arm (radial artery). These vessels are used to bypass the blocked arteries in the heart.
2. Bypass Creation
The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The harvested grafts are sewn above and below the blocked area of the coronary artery, creating a new route for blood to flow.
3. Heart-Lung Machine
In traditional CABG, the heart is stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over the function of circulating blood. In some cases, off-pump CABG (beating heart surgery) may be performed without stopping the heart.
Recovery After CABG
After surgery, the patient is moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Most patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days, with full recovery taking 6 to 12 weeks.
During recovery, patients may be advised to:
- Follow a heart-healthy diet
- Attend cardiac rehabilitation
- Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by the doctor
- Take medications for heart protection and graft longevity
Risks and Success Rates
- CABG is a safe and widely performed surgery, but like any major procedure, it carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, stroke, or arrhythmia. At Apex Heart Hospital, we maintain high success rates thanks to our skilled surgical team, advanced equipment, and strict postoperative care protocols.
