What is by-pass surgery?

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), commonly known as bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. It is performed when there is a blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, which are the major blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

During CABG surgery, a section of a healthy blood vessel, typically from the leg or forearm, is grafted onto the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This creates a new pathway for blood to flow around the obstruction and directly to the heart muscle.

CABG surgery is a major procedure and is usually performed under general anaesthesia. It typically involves the following steps:

1. Harvesting the graft: A section of a healthy blood vessel, such as the saphenous vein from the leg or the radial artery from the forearm, is removed.

2. Preparing the recipient artery: The blocked or narrowed coronary artery is opened, and the area around it is cleaned.

3. Grafting the bypass: The harvested blood vessel is sewn onto the recipient artery above and below the blockage, creating a new route for blood to flow.

4. Closing the chest: Once the bypass graft is in place, the chest is closed, and the incisions are sutured.

The patient typically stays in the hospital for several days after CABG surgery and may require ongoing medication and monitoring to manage their condition.

CABG surgery is an effective treatment for coronary artery disease and can help to relieve symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can also improve overall heart function and reduce the risk of future heart attacks.