All About Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts (CABG) And How To Prepare For Successful Surgery
So you just got the news that you need a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. Here's everything you need to know about CABG -- AND what to expect in surgery...
A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a major operation. But it's also a very common procedure these days -- so you're in good company. According to American Heart Association figures, as many as 427,000 patients receive CABG surgery each year.
CABG surgery treats the “hardening” and narrowing of the arteries by re-routing the blood flow around your blocked arteries and restoring oxygen transport to the heart.
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries occurs when something called atherosclerotic plaque, which is mainly comprised of cholesterol, builds up in the artery walls. You’re more likely to suffer from this if you are or were a smoker, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, or are diabetic. Age is also a factor; you're more at risk if you're a man over 45 or a woman over 55.
In addition to widening your arteries, CABG surgery relieves chest pain associated with hardening arteries and reduces your risk of a heart attack. The procedure can significantly boost long-term survival in people with a major narrowing of the left main coronary artery, and also in those with a narrowing of several arteries.
How is CABG performed?
The heart surgeon makes an incision down the middle of the chest and cuts through the breastbone. Your heart will be gently stopped temporarily by cooling it down with iced salt water and a preservative solution, which is injected into the arteries to reduce any damage caused by the reduced flow of blood during surgery. Meanwhile, an external pump delivers a constant blood flow to all other organs.
For the actual bypass graft, surgeons commonly use the saphenous vein from the leg. Now here’s the technical bit: grafting involves sewing the graft vessels to the arteries beyond the blockage, while the other end of this vein is attached to the aorta. As well as the saphenous vein, arteries in the chest wall are also increasingly being used by surgeons for bypass grafts.
What to Expect During Surgery
You'll most likely be admitted to the hospital on the day of your surgery. There, the anaesthesia team will evaluate you to determine which anaesthetic is best for you during your CABG.
[MORE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY. CLICK HERE.]
CABG surgery usually lasts about four hours. Once complete, the surgeon carefully closes you up -- and your recovery begins. Chances are, you'll spend 3-4 days in the hospital afterward, managing your pain and giving yourself time to rest under monitored care.
[MORE ABOUT MANAGING PAIN AFTER SURGERY. CLICK HERE.]
How to Prepare for CABG
No one likes the thought of heart surgery. But you don't have to suffer from pre-surgery anxiety. By preparing yourself properly, you can make your surgery experience as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
Here are a few important steps you can take to prepare yourself fully.
Be sure to get all your questions answered. Nothing is more traumatizing than not knowing what to expect. So be sure you get all your questions answered so you can prepare yourself, mentally and emotionally.
Prepare now for after your operation. Talk to your doctor about what you need to recover after your surgery is complete. Be sure you have everything in place BEFORE you go in for surgery.
Familiarize yourself with the various kinds of anesthetics. One of the single-most important parts of a successful, comfortable surgery is receiving the right anesthetic for your body. Get familiar with your options so you can discuss them with your anesthesiologist on the day of your operation.
Think positive! Believe it or not, the more positive you are as you approach your knee surgery, the better your chance for a smooth, stress-free experience. Your body responds to your thoughts and attitude, so stay positive.
Want more great surgery preparation tips? CLICK HERE for our pre-surgery checklist that will show you everything you need to do to reduce your risk of pain, nausea, chills, and more -- and speed your hysterectomy recovery time by days and even weeks.
