Heart Bypass Surgery
Average cost for Heart Bypass Surgery is between USD 3690 to USD 4510.
It may vary based on the diagnosis and facilities opted for by the patient.
What is Heart Bypass Surgery?
Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart muscle when the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked.
Procedure
Here's a brief overview of how the surgery is typically conducted:
Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure the patient is unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery.
Incision: A surgical team makes an incision in the chest, often along the sternum (breastbone), to access the heart. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions may be used.
Harvesting Blood Vessels: If grafts are taken from the patient's own body (autografts), the surgeon will harvest a healthy blood vessel, usually from the leg (saphenous vein) or chest (internal mammary artery). If needed, arteries or veins from a donor (allografts) may also be used.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass (if required): In some cases, the heart is temporarily stopped during surgery, and a heart-lung machine takes over the pumping of blood and oxygen to the body. This allows the surgeon to work on a still heart.
Grafting: The harvested blood vessels are then grafted onto the coronary arteries, creating a bypass around the blocked or narrowed sections. The number of bypasses depends on the extent of coronary artery disease.
Closing Incision: After completing the grafts, the surgeon restores blood flow to the heart, and if a heart-lung machine was used, the patient is weaned off it. The chest incision is then closed with sutures or staples.
FAQ
Who is a candidate for CABG surgery?
Individuals with significant coronary artery disease, experiencing chest pain, or at risk of a heart attack may be candidates for CABG surgery after evaluation by a cardiac surgeon.
How is CABG different from other heart surgeries?
CABG involves grafting blood vessels to create bypasses, allowing blood to flow around blockages. This is distinct from procedures like angioplasty that focus on opening narrowed arteries.
What are the types of grafts used in CABG?
Grafts can be autografts (from the patient's body, like saphenous vein or internal mammary artery) or allografts (from a donor).
Can CABG be done with minimally invasive techniques?
Yes, minimally invasive CABG involves smaller incisions, potentially reducing recovery time. However, not all patients are candidates for this approach.
How long does CABG surgery typically take?
The duration varies, but CABG surgery generally takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity and the number of bypasses needed.
What is the recovery time after CABG surgery?
Recovery varies, but most patients can return to normal activities within 6 to 12 weeks. Full recovery may take several months.
Are there risks associated with CABG surgery?
Risks include infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. The surgeon will discuss these risks during preoperative consultations.
Can CABG surgery prevent future heart attacks?
CABG improves blood flow to the heart, reducing the risk of future heart attacks and alleviating symptoms like chest pain.
How long do CABG grafts last?
The longevity of grafts varies, with arterial grafts often lasting longer than venous grafts. Lifestyle factors and ongoing medical management also impact graft lifespan.
Can CABG surgery be performed on an emergency basis?
While CABG is typically planned, it can be performed urgently in emergency situations, such as a heart attack or unstable angina. The decision depends on the patient's condition and medical urgency.