Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
The most common procedure for patients suffering from heart disease is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Surgeons perform CABG to bypass blockages or obstructions in the coronary arteries, thereby restoring the blood flow to the heart. This process is also known as revascularization.
To perform a CABG, arteries and veins from the chest wall, arms or legs are used to create a detour around the obstruction in the coronary artery. The artery and/or vein are connected to both the aorta and coronary artery, thereby creating a bypass around the blockage.
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New CABG Techniques
At Turkey Creek Medical Center, we are committed to researching new ways to perform bypass surgery with less patient discomfort, better heart function, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. The procedures are called minimally invasive because they minimize the trauma of surgery. Statistics are showing that these new techniques also reduce the need for repeat heart surgery operations in the future.
- Endoscopic vein harvesting - A minimally-invasive procedure where we create a small incision to remove veins from the leg.
- Multiple arterial grafts - Techniques to increase the utilization of arterial grafts continue to evolve. The use of both internal thoracic arteries and the artery from the forearm (radial artery) is frequently used for long-term revascularization in appropriate patients.
- Off-pump surgery - This is known as off-pump coronary revascularization. In this surgery, we operate on the beating heart without relying on cardiopulmonary bypass (stopping the heart and using the heart-lung machine to pump blood to the organs). As a result, we greatly reduce the risks associated with the heart-lung machine, such as blood clots.
Who Should Have Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?
Every patient and situation is unique, so please discuss your health and heart care with your doctor. In general, CABG is recommended for patients with:
Disease of the left main coronary artery or all three major coronary arteries- Defective left ventricles
- Severe angina (not helped by medication)
- Patients unable to be helped by aggressive medications and balloon angioplasty
Risks of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. The specific risks of CABG include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Needing repeat surgery (usually after 10 years)
The potential for complications varies, depending upon the patient's overall health, age, smoking history, medical conditions and heart function. If you are facing cardiac surgery of any type, discuss these risk factors with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Long-term Success of CABG
The majority of our CABG surgery patients experience long-term success. They no longer have symptoms of angina and most feel more energetic. For most people, the procedure extends the length and quality of their life.
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1-865-392-3400
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