Open Heart Bypass Surgery
Frequently referred to as “CABG Surgery” or “open heart surgery,” coronary artery bypass graft surgery is the surgical treatment of choice for blocked arteries surrounding the heart.
The heart pumps blood for the entire body but still depends on a series of blood vessels called the coronary arteries for its own blood supply. If the arteries become severely blocked -- a condition known as coronary artery disease -- oxygen does not reach the heart muscle and damage occurs. Open heart surgery, or bypass surgery, is considered the "gold standard" treatment of coronary artery disease.
To prevent damage to the heart, flow through the coronary arteries must be increased. During an open heart surgery, the blocked arteries are removed or bypassed with blood vessels taken from another part of the body. In most surgeries, two to four coronary arteries are grafted to ensure adequate flow to the heart.
Indications for Open Heart Bypass Surgery:
Preparing for Open Heart Bypass Surgery:
Many cardiac surgeons order extensive testing before surgery to determine which arteries are obstructed and the severity of the blockage. An angiogram is one outpatient test that uses x-rays to determine the severity of coronary disease.
A stress test, electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood tests are usually done in advance of the surgery. Blood tests may be repeated immediately prior to surgery to determine if the patient is likely to bleed during surgery, along with their general health.
A surgeon may have very specific instructions for a patient scheduled for bypass surgery. These instructions may include changes in prescription medications, diet and drinking and smoking habits.
