Introduction
Commonly known as ‘Bypass Surgery’, CABG improves the flow of blood to the heart. It is performed on individuals who suffer from severe CHD (Coronary Heart Disease), otherwise known as Coronary Artery Disease.
CHD is a severe condition in which a substance named ‘plaque’ develops inside the coronary arteries of the heart. Plaque develops due to the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. This results in the blocking or the narrowing of the arteries. These arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from heart to the different parts of the body.
During this surgery, a healthy vein or artery from other part of your body is grafted or connected to your blocked or narrowed down coronary artery. Either the grafted vein or grafted artery bypasses the blocked segment of coronary artery.
This surgery creates an entirely new passage for the blood. This process will ensure the oxygen-rich blood is routed properly, around a blockage, through the new passage to your heart muscles.
Types of CABG
Traditional CABG
In this procedure, an incision of six to eight inches is made in the chest, to get access to the heart. This process also uses a ‘heart-lung machine’ which takes over the function of lungs and heart during this surgery.
Off-Pump CABG
This procedure is performed with an incision or endoscopy without the help of a ‘heart-lung machine’. It takes a vein or artery from another part of your body and uses it for grafting. With vessel, it bypasses your blocked segment of the vessel while restoring the standard blood flow to your heart.
Minimally Invasive Direct CABG
This procedure is adopted when there is a single bypass to be made. Instead of a large incision, small incisions are made on the left side of the chest. It improves the comfort of patients by reducing the pain. This result is achieved by making this process less invasive.
