Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Dr.Khushwant Popli, 3 mins read

As we all know, Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most commonly performed cardiac surgery procedure across the world. It is a surgical procedure designed to increase blood flow to the heart in patients suffering from severe coronary artery disease. The procedure involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and grafting it onto the blocked coronary artery. In this blog, a patient who is about to undergo CABG, will get to know what he should expect before, during, and after the procedure. 

Before CABG Surgery

A preoperative evaluation, including blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and coronary angiography, will be performed. The patient’s overall health, kidney function, lung function, and risk factors are also assessed to make him ready for the surgical procedure.

As per surgeon’s consultation, certain medications are adjusted prior to the surgery. Patients are advised to stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and manage blood sugar levels, if diabetic, and undergo some preoperative investigation.

Psychological and Physical Preparation:

• Counseling of the patient to understand the risks and benefits of CABG.
• Breathing exercises like incentive spirometry can be recommended to the patient to aid post-surgery recovery.

During CABG Surgery

General anesthesia is administered to the patient to make him unconscious, so that he does not feel pain during surgery. In case of off-pump CABG, the heart continues beating while the surgeon works on it.

A healthy artery or vein, which is usually taken from chest, arm or leg, is grafted. The  graft is then attached and creates a new pathway for blood flow. The surgery typically lasts 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of grafts needed and condition of the patient.

After CABG Surgery

For immediate postoperative care, patients are taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Pain management and medications are provided to prevent blood clots and infections.

The hospital stay can last 5 to 7 days. Physical activity, including sitting up, walking, and deep breathing exercises, are gradually introduced.

If we talk about daily routine activities, it takes about 6 to 12 weeks. Patients have to follow a heart-healthy diet, engage in cardiac rehabilitation, and take prescribed medications. They should do regular follow-up visits with the doctor to monitor progress and prevent future complications.

Takeaway!

If you want to experience world-class cardiac care, Aakash Healthcare will be a great option for you. The Cardiac Surgery Department of the hospital is equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure. It offers complex cardiac surgeries for adults and children, minimally invasive procedures, including robotic valve replacement. Our team of experienced doctors are dedicated to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.