CABG
Posted on 10/12/2011
What is it? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) also called revascularization, is a type of surgery used to improve blood flow to the heart in people with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). The process consist in put a healthy artery or vein from another part of the body, which is connected, or grafted, to the blocked coronary artery. The grafted artery or vein bypasses the blocked portion of the coronary artery. This new passage routes oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. As many as four major blocked coronary arteries can be bypassed during one surgery.
BYPASS SURGERY OVERVIEW —
In coronary heart disease (CHD), the coronary arteries become clogged with calcium and fatty deposits. The deposits, called plaques, narrow the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle. Blood supplies the heart muscle with oxygen and sources of energy; ischemia (a reduction in blood flow and oxygen) can produce symptoms of pain in the chest (angina pectoris). In more severe cases, heart attack (myocardial infarction), heart failure, or rhythm abnormalities can cause sudden cardiac death.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or CABG (pronounced "cabbage"), is a procedure that uses your own veins (usually from the legs) or arteries to bypass narrowed areas and restore blood flow to heart muscle. Thus, bypass surgery can effectively relieve chest pain for most patients, and can prolong life for those with certain patterns of severe coronary heart disease.
The final decision regarding the best choice of treatment depends upon several factors, including the benefit versus risk of surgery, the severity of your symptoms and cardiac disease, and your underlying medical problems. You should discuss the details of your case with your healthcare provider.
See the sections below for more information.
· IS BYPASS SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME? —
· BYPASS SURGERY PROCEDURE —
· BYPASS SURGERY RECOVERY —
· BYPASS SURGERY COMPLICATIONS —
· LONG-TERM OUTCOME —
· CARE AFTER BYPASS SURGERY —
· REFERENCES CABG
