Home / Blog / Is Heart Bypass Surgery Safe? Insights from Experts at HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad
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Heart bypass surgery is also called coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. It is an essential procedure in cardiology.
It is generally used to manage coronary artery disease, characterised by the narrowing or blocking of the coronary arteries (arteries supplying the blood to heart muscles).
During heart bypass surgery, the surgeon bypasses the blocked or narrowed arteries to direct blood to the heart muscles. The new route is formed by grafting a healthy blood vessel from another body part, such as an arm or leg, to the coronary artery.
Coronary bypass surgery provides several vital advantages for patients with coronary artery disease. It improves blood flow to the heart muscles and manages symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. It also helps improve survival, especially in patients with multiple blocked arteries. It reduces the risk of heart attacks and improves heart function.
In this article, let us understand what bypass surgery is, the importance of bypass surgery, how it is done, and what its success rates are.
Coronary bypass surgery is a cardiology procedure that involves creating a new route for blood flow by bypassing the narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
It is performed on patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. The surgeon makes the new route by taking the healthy blood vessels from the artery and grafting them to the coronary artery.
Several types of bypass surgeries are available. The choice of surgery depends on the number and location of blocked arteries, the medical history, the overall health of the patient, the presence of other conditions, such as kidney disease or diabetes, and the surgeon’s expertise.
Traditional CABG is the most common type of bypass surgery. It involves an incision in the chest to access the heart. Generally, the heart’s function is stopped during the procedure, and a heart-lung machine is connected to perform the functions of the heart and lungs during the surgery.
Off-pump coronary artery bypass is similar to the traditional CABG, with the difference that the heart is functional during the surgery.
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass is less invasive than the traditional CABG, and surgery is performed with smaller incisions made between the ribs.
Robot-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of robotic surgical systems to perform surgery.
The hybrid coronary revascularisation procedure involves minimally invasive bypass surgery along with percutaneous coronary intervention, such as angioplasty or stenting. This procedure is usually performed on patients with multiple blockages.
The cost of heart bypass surgery depends on several factors, such as the city, the type of hospital, the surgeon’s expertise, the type of room, additional medical complications, and the patient’s medical history.
On average, the cost of coronary bypass surgery varies from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The cost includes surgery, medications, anaesthesia charges, routine tests, and hospital stays.
Heart bypass surgery is an essential procedure for patients with coronary artery disease who have significantly narrowed or blocked arteries. It improves blood flow to the heart muscles and reduces the risk of a heart attack.
Cardiologists recommend CABG to patients in whom other treatments, such as medications and lifestyle alterations, are insufficient to maintain optimal heart functions and reduce the risk of heart attack or patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Bypass Surgery Procedures Before the Surgery
Patients may expect a comprehensive medical evaluation before the heart bypass surgery.
The cardiologists may also stop certain medications or add new medications to reduce the risk of complications during and after coronary bypass surgery.
Patients are advised to alter their lifestyle, such as smoking cessation, weight management, following a healthy diet, and maintaining physical activity.
Patients may also undergo psychological counselling before the bypass surgery procedures to manage fear or anxiety.
After the coronary bypass surgery, the patients are shifted to the ICU to monitor vital signs, namely blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
The patients are prescribed pain medications and provided breathing assistance if required during the bypass surgery procedures.
Once the vital parameters are stabilised, the patients are shifted to the general room.
Physical therapy may be required to initiate gentle movements and exercises to avoid complications and improve recovery after bypass surgery procedures. The medications include pain medications, anticoagulants, and antibiotics.
CABG is considered a major surgery that carries the risk of several complications.
Some of the complications of bypass surgery procedures include bleeding during and after the coronary bypass surgery; infections such as pneumonia; stroke; kidney problems; and heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, cognitive dysfunction, and graft failure.
In rare cases, death may also occur. Other complications with CABG surgery include deep vein thrombosis, wound complications, and reactions to anaesthesia.
Bypass surgery procedures are complex procedures that require adherence to strict safety protocols and standards to ensure the best possible outcomes.
At HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, the surgical team ensures that all the standard protocols and safety standards are followed during the bypass surgery procedures to avoid complications, enhance favourable heart surgery outcomes, and ensure a speedy recovery.
Some of the cardiac surgery safety measures at HCG Hospitals, a leading heart hospital in Ahmedabad, are:
Pre-operative Assessment: Patients undergoing heart blockage surgery undergo a pre-operative comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, family history, and medications.
Surgical Team: The surgical team at the HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, comprises experienced medical and paramedical professionals, such as cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists, cardiology experts, perfusionists, and nurses with relevant experience in cardiac surgery.
Infrastructure: HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, has advanced diagnostic and monitoring facilities, such as echocardiography, ECG, a heart-lung bypass machine, and devices for monitoring vital signs and heart function during and after surgery.
Infection Control Measures: At HCG Hospitals in Ahmedabad, strict adherence to the sterile environment during surgery, including surgical site preparation and sterile equipment, reduces the risk of infections.
Anaesthesia Management: The cardiac surgical team at HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, comprises experienced anaesthesiologists who provide customised anaesthesia according to the patient’s cardiovascular status.
Surgical Techniques: Advanced techniques are implemented for performing CABG, ensuring accurate and precise placement and secured graft attachment with the coronary artery.
Post-Operative Care: HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, has a state-of-the-art intensive care unit for safe recovery. The recovery unit has advanced equipment to monitor patients at every moment.
Monitoring: Throughout the hospital recovery period, patients are monitored for their vital signs, such as heart rate and rhythm, respiratory issues, kidney function, electrolyte levels, and fluid balance.
Patient Education and Follow-Up: At the HCG Hospitals in Ahmedabad, patients are provided with comprehensive education about the surgery, possible outcomes, associated risks, and post-operative care recommendations.
The heart specialists at HCG recommend heart patients undergo cardiac rehabilitation after their treatment to improve the quality of treatment outcomes, reduce treatment-related complications, and achieve a faster recovery.
Several advanced technologies and methods are used at HCG hospitals in Ahmedabad to improve safety during and after CABG surgery.
The surgery is performed by robotic surgery or video-assisted technology, wherever possible, to reduce complications and increase recovery. Further, the surgeons may also use a heart-lung bypass machine during the CABG surgery.
Advanced imaging techniques, like 3D CT scans and MRIs, allow surgeons to plan surgery more accurately. During surgery, real-time imaging techniques, such as intraoperative echocardiography, also improve outcomes.
As a leading multispeciality hospital in Ahmedabad, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, is equipped with advanced equipment to continuously monitor heart function, oxygen levels, and blood flow during surgery.
Cardiac surgeons also implement modified cardiopulmonary bypass techniques, including biocompatible materials and miniature bypass circuits, to lower the risk of systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
The cardiac surgeon’s priority during CABG is the safety of the patients. The protocols should be rigorously followed during surgery. The surgical team must determine the pros and cons of bypass surgery for each patient and ensure that the benefits always outweigh the risks associated with the procedure.
Advanced technologies, such as minimally invasive approaches and intraoperative monitoring, should be used to improve outcomes and minimise complications.
Bypass surgery expert analysis aims to adhere to protocols related to post-operative care, intensive care, and rehabilitation, aiming for a smooth recovery.
Cardiac surgeons continuously refine their practice in terms of surgical techniques and monitoring technologies to improve the overall outcome of surgery.
As a leading heart hospital in Ahmedabad, HCG employs leading-edge technology and modern treatment approaches to treat and manage different types of coronary heart diseases.
Our patient outcomes and success rates are on par with global standards since we focus on delivering holistic and personalised care for our patients.
Personalising cardiac care to cater to the individual needs of patients helps us deliver patient-centric care and support them in returning to the best state of health possible.
Coronary bypass surgery aims at treating and managing coronary artery disease, which involves narrowing or blocking the coronary arteries.
By creating a new route for blood flow using healthy vessels from the body, bypass surgery enhances blood flow to the heart, alleviates symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain, reduces the risk of heart attacks, and improves heart function and patient survival.
Following all the safety guidelines before, during, and after the procedure is essential to avoid complications and improve outcomes.
Contact HCG Hospitals for further enquiries and to book an appointment with the best cardiologist in Ahmedabad.
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Brajmohan Singh, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
CABG is a surgical intervention that involves grafting new vessels into the coronary arteries to bypass narrowed or blocked arteries. It improves blood flow into the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart’s muscles.
Patients who have no improvement in their coronary artery disease symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes and patients with multiple blockages in the coronary arteries are eligible for bypass surgery.
During the recovery period, you may expect monitoring of the vital signs and the administration of pain medications, anticoagulants, and antibiotics. A gradual increase in routine activities may also be advised.
The cost of bypass surgery depends on various factors, such as the type of surgery, the hospital’s location, the surgeon’s experience, and the patient’s overall health, including underlying diseases. It typically costs around 3 lakhs to 10 lakhs.
The recovery period after CABG surgery typically takes about 6 to 12 weeks. It includes a hospital stay, a gradual return to routine activities, and a full recovery.
The cardiac surgeons at the HCG Hospitals performed bypass surgery using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art monitoring facilities.
At HCG Hospitals, the success rate of bypass surgery is quite high, reflecting our commitment to advanced medical care and patient safety. The overall success rate typically ranges from 95 to 98%, depending on various factors such as the patient’s overall health, age, and specific medical conditions.
It is advisable for patients undergoing bypass surgery to have cardiac rehabilitation for fast recovery with minimal post-surgical complications.
We have a robust team of cardiac specialists who specialise in cardiovascular surgery, interventional cardiology, and other cardiac care interventions.
Dr. Brajmohan Singh, Dr. Abhishek R Parmar, Dr. Jay Shah, Dr. Anand Shukla, and Dr. Bhupesh R. Shah are the key members of our cardiac care team at HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
Some of the common heart conditions treated by cardiologists are coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation), hypertension, congenital heart defects, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and peripheral artery disease. They also manage conditions like angina, heart attacks, and high cholesterol.
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