| What Is Coronary Bypass Surgery? |
 Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a major heart operation of by passing the blocked arteries in the heart by putting veins removed either from legs of patients or any other part of the body so that blood can flow through the new arteries to the heart the way it should.
Almost half a million Coronary Bypass operations are performed each year, which are expensive costing between 1.5-2 lacs. This surgical procedure is only a temporary solution as half of the patients come back with reblockages within 3-5 years. |
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| How is it done? |
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Your doctor will take a blood vessel from your chest or from your leg.
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One end is attached to your aorta (the large artery that comes out of the heart), and the other end is attached to the coronary artery below the point where it's clogged.
- Blood can now flow through the new channel to the heart.
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| What is surgery like? |
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You will be asleep during the operation. It can take 3 to 6 hours.
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After surgery, you go to an intensive care unit (ICU) for several days.
- Your family can visit you briefly in ICU.
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| What about after surgery? |
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You'll wake up in ICU and may feel confused at first.
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It's busy in ICU and the lights are always on. It's normal to lose track of time.
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You'll have a tube in your mouth and throat to help you breathe. It's uncomfortable and you can't talk with it, but nurses will help you communicate.
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The breathing tube will stay in until you can breathe on your own - in about 24 hours.
- You'll be hooked up to many tubes and wires.
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| How can I learn more? |
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Talk to your doctor, nurse or health care professional. Or call SAAOL HEART CENTER, 6235168
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If you have heart disease, members of your family also may be at higher risk. It's very important for them to make changes now to lower their risk.
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