Glossary
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, commonly known as CABG, is a surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart. This procedure is typically used to treat severe coronary heart disease (CHD), a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the coronary arteries. These arteries are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. When they become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup, the heart does not receive enough oxygen, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, a heart attack.
The CABG procedure involves grafting or attaching a healthy artery or vein from another part of the body to bypass the blocked coronary artery. The graft creates a new pathway for blood flow to the heart, circumventing the blocked or narrowed artery. The number of grafts a patient needs depends on the number and location of blockages in the coronary arteries. The most common type of CABG is traditional or open-heart CABG. This procedure involves making a large incision in the chest and temporarily stopping the heart while the surgeon performs the grafting. During this time, a heart-lung machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs, circulating blood and oxygen throughout the body. Another type of CABG is off-pump or beating heart bypass surgery. In this procedure, the heart isn't stopped, and a heart-lung machine isn't used. Instead, the surgeon uses advanced equipment to stabilize the part of the heart where the grafting is being done. Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) and robot-assisted techniques are other types of CABG. These procedures involve smaller incisions and may not require stopping the heart or using a heart-lung machine.
The choice of CABG type depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the number and location of blockages, and the surgeon's expertise.CABG is a major surgery and, like any surgery, comes with risks. These include infection, bleeding, arrhythmias, stroke, and even death. However, CABG can significantly improve a patient's quality of life by relieving symptoms of CHD, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. It can also reduce the risk of heart attack and increase the chances of survival. Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to determine the extent of the coronary artery disease and assess the patient's overall health. This evaluation includes blood tests, a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and coronary angiography.
Recovery from CABG involves a hospital stay of about a week, followed by several weeks to months of recovery at home. During this time, the patient may need to participate in cardiac rehabilitation, a medically supervised program designed to improve heart health and recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation includes exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and help the patient return to an active lifestyle. It's an integral part of recovery from CABG, helping patients regain strength, prevent their condition from worsening, and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
In conclusion, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting is a life-saving procedure that plays a vital role in the management of coronary heart disease. It involves rerouting the blood flow around a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, thus restoring the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Despite the risks associated with the procedure, it has proven to be a highly effective treatment for severe coronary heart disease, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.