What is Coronary Bypass Surgery?
Coronary bypass surgery creates a new path for blood to flow around a blocked artery in the heart. This involves taking a healthy blood vessel from the chest or leg area and connecting it below the blocked heart artery, allowing improved blood flow to the heart muscle. Coronary artery bypass surgery doesn’t cure heart disease, but it can be helpful in reducing symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
Causes for Coronary Bypass Surgery
Coronary artery bypass surgery is done to restore blood flow to the heart due to a blocked heart artery. Sometimes, it is done in emergency cases, such as a heart attack. Other possible reasons for needing a coronary artery bypass surgery can include:
Blockage in the left main heart artery, which supplies a large amount of blood to the heart.
- Severe narrowing of the main heart artery
- Severe chest pain caused by narrowing of several heart arteries
- If you have more than one diseased heart artery
- A blocked heart artery that is not treatable with other forms of treatment
- An artery that has become narrow again after stenting
Risks of Coronary Bypass Surgery
As with any surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery comes with certain risks. Possible complications can include:
- Heart attack due to a blood clot following surgery
- Infection
- Long-term need for a breathing machine
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Kidney problems
- Bleeding
- Stroke
- Death
Your risk of experiencing complications is greater if you have current underlying conditions, such as blocked arteries in the legs, COPD, diabetes, or kidney disease. Medications to control bleeding and prevent infection are typically given prior to surgery but talk with your provider about the possible risks and complications associated with coronary artery bypass surgery.
What to Expect During Coronary Bypass Surgery
Prior to surgery, your provider will perform a full examination and run several tests to ensure that you are ready to undergo open heart surgery. You may be instructed to discontinue certain medications, diets, and medications prior to surgery.
During surgery, your surgeon will make an incision down the center of the chest and spread the ribcage to reveal the heart. After the chest is opened, mediation will be given to stop the heart, and the heart-lung machine will be turned on to continue pumping blood to the body.
After locating the blocked artery, a piece of healthy blood vessel will be taken and attached below the affected heart artery. This creates a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage. After completing this, the surgeon will restore your heartbeat and stop the heart-lung machine. A wire will be used to close the chest bone, which stays in your body after the bone heals.
Results of Coronary Bypass Surgery
Following surgery, your provider will continue to monitor your condition and symptoms to ensure there are no post operative complications. You can expect to stay in the hospital for a 1 to 2 days at minimum, depending on your recovery status. Medications will be given to you to reduce pain and prevent complications such as blood clots. You will be encouraged to start moving and walking under supervision while still in the hospital to improve heart health after surgery. Recovery is expected within about 6 to 12 weeks following surgery but can vary.
For many people, they experience no symptoms for many years. There is always a risk of the artery becoming clogged or blocked again, which may result in another procedure. Your outcome will depend on how well you maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep chronic conditions under control. You can manage your heart health by:
- Not smoking
- Eating healthy foods
- Managing your weight
- Exercising regularly, or as your provider allows
- Managing your stress
While coronary artery bypass surgery is successful in most cases, it is still an open-heart surgery, so you should watch for symptoms of complications, which can include:
- Fever
- Rapid heart rate
- New or worsening pain in the chest area
- Change in skin color around the chest wound
- Bleeding or discharge from your chest wound
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.