Overview
Reviewed by Joseph Maloney, M.D.
Coronary artery bypass surgery is a heart procedure to correct a blockage in one or more arteries. Blockages occur when plaque, or a build up of fat and cholesterol, clogs the artery pathway. The blocked artery is literally “bypassed” in that a piece of healthy artery or vein from the chest wall or leg is detached and then reattached below the blocked area. As a result, blood can again flow freely between the heart and body.
Detailed Description
When plaque builds up in the arteries, chest pain or heart attack can result. Bypass surgery is a common treatment for the blockage of blood to the heart muscle and for the relief of associated symptoms. Angioplasty is another option.
During a bypass operation, the surgeon first makes an incision in the chest. In order to work on the heart, it is stopped and a heart-lung machine is used to keep up circulation to the body. The surgeon takes a healthy piece of vein or artery from the leg or chest wall and reattaches the ends above and below the clogged artery so that blood flow is diverted around the blockage. If necessary, the surgeon will repeat for other blocked areas.
The procedure just described is considered “pump-on” bypass. It is also possible to do “pump-off” operations where the procedure is performed on the beating heart. If available, this approach reduces some of the problems associated with pump-on procedures.
This surgery generally takes between three and six hours, and patients are monitored in the hospital for at least three days. A breathing tube is used until doctors are certain the patient is stable and can breathe on his or her own. Recovery time can last between six and 12 weeks.
Coronary artery bypass surgery does not cure underlying heart disease or atherosclerosis. It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a diet rich in vegetables and high-fiber, low-fat foods. Also, if you smoke, quitting is a crucial step in the right direction. Blockages will frequently appear elsewhere if these lifestyle modifications are not undertaken.
Last updated: 12-Mar-07
