What is it ?
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) -
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG) involves sewing one end of an artery or vein above a blocked coronary artery and the other end below the blockage, thereby allowing blood an alternative means to flow to the heart. The arteries or veins used for the bypass (which are known as "grafts") are usually obtained from the leg or the chest wall. Bypass surgery may not be possible if the coronary artery is heavily calcified or if the disease is widespread.
Benefits
Bypass surgery can effectively relieve angina and even prolong life in people with severe coronary heart disease, such as those with three-vessel involvement associated with impaired left ventricular pumping function.
Recovery from bypass surgery -
It usually takes a while to recover from even routine bypass surgery. Factors that appear to have a role in a person's ability to return to work are the presence or absence of angina after surgery, employment status before surgery and income, the function of the heart's left ventricle and age.
Why is it done?
Bypass surgery is done to restore blood flow to those areas of the heart which are supplied by coronary arteries that are blocked.
How is it done?
A team of surgeons perform coronary artery bypass surgery procedure. The operation takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on how many blood vessels need to be bypassed. One cut (incision) is made in the center of the chest at the breastbone. Another incision may be made in the leg to remove a vein that will be placed in the chest. If required the patient is then connected to a heart-lung machine that supplies oxygen to the blood and circulates it back into the body while the surgery is performed.
When the surgery is finished the heart-lung machine is disconnected, breastbone is closed with a surgical wire, and the skin stitched.
Before-Precautions prerequisites Prior to Surgery
The average hospitalization after a heart surgery is about 7 days. Hospitalization can vary greatly depending on the type of operation performed and the degree of disability before surgery. Home recuperation continues over a period of eight to twelve weeks after discharge.
Blood donation.
People who undergo heart surgery will need blood transfusion during the surgery and possibly for a few days post-surgery. The amount required will vary depending upon the particular surgical procedure. However, 6 units of blood are kept ready in the blood bank before the surgery. In your interest, you must arrange for 6 donors within your family and friends, preferably of the same blood group.
Breathing Exercises
While the patients are in the hospital awaiting the scheduled surgery, certain preparations will take place before the operation. Preparing the lungs is important as they are more vulnerable to infection and other problems after major surgeries like open heart surgery. Breathing exercises and instructions for coughing are a part of the routine.
After
Post Care Surgery
The progress of a patient will be determined by the condition, the body's response to surgery and most important the will power. During the first few days, the patient will be observed constantly by the healthcare team. The blood pressure will be taken frequently and doctors and nurses will observe the vital signs carefully. Every day a chest-X-ray and an electrocardiogram will be taken and blood tests done. As the health of the patient improves, the tubes in the body will be removed.
Medication will be given to reduce discomfort and pain. An effective "pain" medication makes it easier to cough and deep breathe, making the discomfort easier to deal with, and speeding up the recovery process. Active participation of the patient is essential for the recovery process.
On the post-operative floor
Once the patient moves in to the room, most of the tubes will be removed and the patient is allowed meals.
Mobilization and rehabilitation begins and the patient will be encouraged to get up, walk, cough and do other things.
AT HOME RECOVERY
Once the patient gets home, the patient should try to resume a normal routine. It is important to wake up at a reasonable hour after at least eight hours of sleep. Personal hygiene should be taken care off. Take a shower everyday and pamper yourself with soothing lotions and perfumes.
Dress smartly. You look good, you feel good, Never stay in sleeping clothes during the day. It is important for you to think of yourself as healthy and active rather than sick.
Take a mid-morning and mid-afternoon rest following periods of activity or close friends. Do take up some activity. Reading helps. Horticulture or gardening is again excellent activity and boosts the sense of well being in patients.
Sometimes family members can contribute to the patient's depression without knowing it, so discuss this too. Many patients report that this is a very trying time. The patient and the family may experience anger and frustration. As a rule, these feelings will subside as the patient resumes usual activities.
Walking
The patients walking program begins from the 3rd or the 4th day of the surgery. Walk slowly. Gradually increase the distance covered each day. Remember not to push your self or you will burn out. Alternate your activity with rest and never take a walk immediately after meals.