Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a procedure to fix and cure the problems pertaining to coronary artery. It also provides relief of angina and improves the function of heart muscle. This procedure helps in clearing the blocked arteries. It also improves the flow of blood to the heart. It reduces the chances of heart attack as well as relieves the chest pain.

Procedure

The process of this surgery involves rerouting the blood around the clogged artery. This is done by taking a segment of a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and directing it to the blocked one. One or two bypass surgery can be performed on a patient. It depends on how many coronary arteries are obstructed.

Length

It takes almost six to eight hours for this surgery to get completed. But it also depends on the complications and the condition of the patient.

Risks

  • Infections at the site of the graft
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • Non union/ Malunion of sternum
  • Anesthetic complications
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Graft failure
  • Death due to myocardial infarction
  • Acute renal failure
  • Stroke
  • Stenosis
  • Keloid scarring
  • Chronic pain at the sites of incisions

Side Effects

A few adverse effects of this operations which is seen are constipation, loss of appetite, swelling in the area from which blood vessel segment has been removed, mood swings, depression, uneasiness and difficulty in sleeping and muscle pain. These side effects generally stays for four to six weeks and then disappear.