Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is a surgical treatment method used in cases where the heart muscle cannot receive enough oxygen due to narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries that feed the heart. This surgical intervention aims to create a new path to allow blood to flow again around the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

How is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Performed?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon uses a piece of blood taken from another part of the body to create a "bypass" or bridge around the blocked coronary artery. This procedure is usually performed using a blood vessel taken from the patient's chest, leg or arm. During the surgery, the heart may be stopped and oxygen may be supplied to the body using a heart-lung machine.

Where to Get Veins for Coronary Bypass?

The veins to be used in coronary artery bypass surgery are usually taken from the patient's chest, leg, or arm. To take a vein from the chest, the breastbone is cut open, the rib cage is opened, and the mammary artery in the left chest is usually used. When more than one coronary artery needs to be bypassed, the vein in the leg or the radial artery in the arm (the vein in the forearm that feeds the hand) can be used.
When removing a vein from the leg, an incision is made in the leg and a sufficient length of vein is removed for bypass. This vein is stitched to the coronary artery with one end below the blocked area. The breastbone is tied with strong wires and the area where the surgical intervention is performed is stitched.
After the operation, the scar in the area where the vein was taken is usually very small and hard to notice with the naked eye.

In Which Situations Are Coronary Bypass Surgery Performed?

Coronary bypass surgery is usually performed in the following situations:

• Patients with coronary artery disease that is not relieved by medication or other treatment methods
• Patients with severe blockage or narrowing of more than one coronary artery
• Patients who have had a heart attack or have heart muscle damage

In Which Diseases Is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Used?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is used to treat various heart diseases, especially coronary artery disease. These diseases include:
Stable and unstable angina pectoris
Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Chronic coronary artery disease

Who Can Get Bypass?

Bypass surgery is usually performed on patients with advanced coronary artery disease, a decreased quality of life, or a high risk of heart attack. It is also preferred in cases where other treatment methods are inadequate.

How Long Does Bypass Surgery Take?

The total duration of coronary artery bypass surgery varies depending on whether the surgery is performed using an open or closed method. In addition to the number of vessels to be bypassed, other factors that affect the duration of the operation are whether the surgery is performed on a beating or stopped heart. Today, coronary artery bypass surgeries, which are mostly performed with minimally invasive methods, take approximately 3 to 6 hours. This duration may be extended if the person's heart valve is replaced or other surgical procedures are performed on the heart during the same operation.
Minimally invasive methods can speed up the recovery time and affect the duration of surgery, as they are performed with smaller incisions. However, since each patient's condition is different, the surgeon's experience and the patient's general health are also important factors that determine the duration of surgery.
During the planning phase of the operation, the surgeon evaluates the patient's specific condition and selects the most appropriate surgical method. This evaluation is critical for the success of the operation and the rapid recovery of the patient.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Bypass Surgery?

After bypass surgery, the length of time patients stay in the hospital is usually between 5 and 7 days. The full recovery process can vary from 6 to 12 weeks. During this time, patients can gradually return to their daily activities.

Is Bypass Surgery a Risky Surgery?

Coronary artery bypass surgery, although a serious surgical intervention, is performed quite safely today. However, as with any surgical intervention, this surgery also carries some risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Risks may vary depending on the patient's general health and age.

What Should Be Considered After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

Some important points that patients should pay attention to after surgery are:
Taking the medications prescribed by the doctor regularly
Go for regular check-ups
Acquiring healthy eating habits
Avoiding smoking and alcohol use
Start physical activities slowly and avoid overexertion

How to Live After Surgery?

After bypass surgery, patients may need to make some lifestyle changes. These changes include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, and staying away from stress. It is also important to go to regular doctor check-ups and follow the doctor's recommendations.
Coronary artery bypass surgery is an effective treatment to improve heart health and improve quality of life. However, patients must be careful and follow the doctor's recommendations in the postoperative period to achieve a successful outcome.