How long for open heart double bypass surgery take?
The length of time it takes to perform a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, also known as open heart double bypass surgery, can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the patient's overall health, and the surgeon's experience. Here's a general overview of the typical timeline:
1. Preoperative Preparation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes various tests and assessments to ensure they are fit for surgery. This may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to the patient, ensuring complete unconsciousness and pain relief during the procedure.
3. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision, typically along the center of the chest, to access the heart.
4. Preparation of Blood Vessels: The surgeon identifies the diseased arteries that need to be bypassed and prepares them for grafting.
5. Grafting: The surgeon then harvests a healthy blood vessel, usually from the patient's leg or arm, and uses it to create a bypass around the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
6. Bypass Completion: The surgeon connects the grafted blood vessel to the aorta, the main artery of the body, and to the coronary artery beyond the blocked section.
7. Closure: Once the bypass grafts are in place, the surgeon carefully closes the chest incision with sutures or surgical staples.
8. Recovery: The patient is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and recovery. They will remain in the ICU for several days, and then be moved to a regular hospital room for further recovery and observation.
The total surgery time, excluding preoperative preparation and recovery, can range from 2 to 4 hours or longer, depending on the specific circumstances. The entire hospital stay, including preoperative evaluations, surgery, and recovery, typically lasts for about 5 to 7 days. However, it's important to note that each case is unique, and the actual time required may vary based on individual patient factors.