coronary artery bypass surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart muscle when one or more of the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed. These blockages are typically caused by a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD), which is characterized by the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) inside the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart.

What it is:
During CABG surgery, a surgeon creates new pathways for blood to flow to the heart muscle by bypassing the blocked or narrowed sections of the coronary arteries. This is typically accomplished by using blood vessels harvested from elsewhere in the body, such as the internal mammary artery from the chest wall or veins from the legs, to create bypass grafts.

Why it's done

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed for several reasons, including:

• Relief of Symptoms: CABG surgery can alleviate symptoms of angina (chest pain) and shortness of breath caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Improved Blood Flow: By creating new routes for blood to reach the heart muscle, CABG surgery improves blood flow and oxygen delivery, reducing the risk of heart attack and other complications associated with CAD.
• Prevention of Complications: CABG surgery can reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), and sudden cardiac death in individuals with severe coronary artery disease.
• Treatment of High-Risk CAD: CABG surgery may be recommended for individuals with significant blockages in multiple coronary arteries that cannot be effectively treated with medications or less invasive procedures like angioplasty and stenting.

Benefits

• Symptom Relief: CABG surgery can relieve symptoms of angina and shortness of breath, allowing patients to engage in normal activities without discomfort.
• Improved Quality of Life: By restoring blood flow to the heart muscle, CABG surgery improves cardiac function and overall quality of life for many patients.
• Reduced Risk of Heart Attack: By bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, CABG surgery reduces the risk of heart attack and other cardiac events associated with CAD.
• Long-Term Survival: CABG surgery has been shown to improve long-term survival rates for patients with severe coronary artery disease compared to medical therapy alone.
• Decreased Need for Medications: Following successful CABG surgery, many patients require fewer medications to manage symptoms and control risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

In summary, coronary artery bypass surgery is a highly effective treatment option for individuals with severe coronary artery disease who have not responded to other treatments. The procedure provides symptom relief, improves blood flow to the heart muscle, reduces the risk of complications, and can lead to improved quality of life and long-term survival for many patients.