Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. In atherosclerosis deposits of fat, cholesterol, and calcium build-up inside the artery. These deposits are called plaque. Like the inside of a rusty waterpipe, the wall of the artery becomes rough, hard, and more narrow.
When one or more of the coronary arteries becomes narrow or blocked, the heart does not get the needed blood supply. This is called ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD).
Symptoms may include chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath. Certain patients such as diabetics may have no symptoms when the arteries become blocked. The first symptom of CAD in this case may be a heart attack. (myocardial infarction). Heart bypass surgery can increase lifespan in patients who have blockages in either all three coronary arteries or in the main left coronary artery.
Heart bypass surgery creates a detour or bypass around the blocked portion of the artery. This restores the blood supply to the heart muscle. The surgery is called Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, or CABG (pronounced cabbage).
The reason to have surgery is to make your life better or longer. There are risks with every surgery and it varies with each person and the procedure performed. Your risk depends on your age and overall health. Your surgeon will answer your questions and discuss your surgery options, risks and your specific plan of care.
At the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute we tailor our approach to make sure patients receive the best operation possible with the lowest risk.
Atherosclerosis cannot be cured. CABG surgery does not prevent recurrence. Lifestyle changes are needed to prevent recurrence of artery blockage, prevent new blockages from developing and to maximize your benefits after CABG surgery.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Before Surgery
Day of Surgery
During Surgery
After Surgery
Discharge
Review Date: 03/07
