Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Introduction

The heart is a vital organ that continuously pumps blood, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. However, when the coronary arteries—responsible for supplying blood to the heart—become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup, it can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases such as angina or heart attacks. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure designed to restore proper blood flow to the heart by bypassing the blocked arteries.

What Is CABG?

CABG, commonly known as heart bypass surgery, is performed to treat severe coronary artery disease (CAD). The surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body—usually the leg, arm, or chest—and grafting it to the coronary artery, creating a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage.

Who Needs to Undergo CABG Surgery in India?

People who suffer from coronary artery disease (CAD), which is extreme enough to produce a set of symptoms, are recommended to undergo CABG in India. CAD results due to narrowing of the artery and the blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the muscles of the heart. The narrowing may result because of deposition of fatty material on the inside walls of the artery.

This obstructs the flow of blood through the vessels, resulting in the decreased supply of nutrients to the heart tissues. The blood flow through the arteries may also decrease or stop abruptly because of a blockage, which is removed surgically.

Why Is CABG Needed?

CABG is typically recommended for patients who have:

• Severe blockage in one or more coronary arteries.
• Persistent chest pain (angina) despite medication.
• Significant narrowing of the left main coronary artery.
• Multiple blocked arteries and poor response to other treatments such as angioplasty or stents.
• A high risk of heart attack due to arterial blockages.

The CABG Procedure

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation: Patients undergo various tests, including electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, and coronary angiograms, to assess heart function and the severity of blockages.
2. Anesthesia & Incision: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart.
3. Grafting the Artery: A healthy blood vessel is taken from the leg (saphenous vein), chest (internal mammary artery), or arm (radial artery). This graft is then attached above and below the blocked coronary artery, creating an alternate route for blood flow.
4. Closing the Incision: Once the bypass is completed, the chest is closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is moved to intensive care for recovery.

Heart Bypass Surgery Cost in India

What is the Cost of Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG Surgery) in India?

A heart bypass surgery or Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in India costs starts from INR 336,000 (USD 4,000). Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is the treatment option for patients with ischemia and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Factors Affecting the Cost of Heart Bypass Surgery in India

CABG cost varies from one hospital to another in India. There are several factors that decide the final cost that the patients may have to incur when they decide to get treated in the Indian hospitals.

Some of the factors that dictate the CABG cost in India include the following:

• Choice of hospital
• The duration of stay at the hospital
• Room charges
• Surgeon’s fees
• Anesthesia cost
• Cost of additional tests or procedures
• Type of surgery conducted (minimally invasive/open surgery)

 

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

• Hospital Stay: Most patients remain in the hospital for 5-7 days after surgery.
• Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation, including supervised exercise and lifestyle modifications, is recommended to improve heart health.
• Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and other heart medications may be prescribed to prevent further blockages.
• Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly are crucial for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions About CABG

 What is the reliability of bypass surgery in India?

CABG in India is highly reliable, with top hospitals offering world-class facilities, experienced cardiac surgeons, and state-of-the-art technology. The success rate is comparable to global standards, often exceeding 95%.

What to expect when you get home after a bypass in India?

Patients can expect gradual recovery, with initial fatigue and mild discomfort. A structured rehabilitation program, medication, and lifestyle changes help ensure a smooth recovery.

What are the self-care guidelines recommended after a heart bypass in India?

Patients should maintain a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly as per medical advice, take prescribed medications, quit smoking, and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

How successful is cardiac rehabilitation in India?

Cardiac rehabilitation programs in India have shown high success rates in improving heart function, reducing the risk of future heart problems, and enhancing overall well-being.

Considering that heart disease runs in your family, what should one do?

Regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding smoking/alcohol can significantly lower the risk of heart disease.

What dietary adjustments can I make to lower my risk of heart disease?

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while avoiding processed foods, excess salt, and sugar can lower heart disease risk.

Can chest pain be brought on by high cholesterol?

Yes, high cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, restricting blood flow and causing chest pain (angina).

What are the main components that contribute to plaque build-up?

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and an unhealthy diet contribute to plaque buildup.

Why do people experience second heart attacks?

Poor lifestyle habits, lack of adherence to medications, unmanaged stress, and continued smoking can increase the risk of a second heart attack.

What causes coronary artery disease in smokers?

Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen supply, increases blood pressure, and promotes plaque buildup, all of which contribute to coronary artery disease.

How can patients maintain heart health following CABG?

Regular exercise, a heart-friendly diet, quitting smoking, stress management, and consistent medical follow-ups are essential.

What is Coronary bypass surgery?

It is a surgical procedure to restore blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries using healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body.

What is triple bypass surgery? What is the triple bypass surgery recovery time?

Triple bypass surgery involves bypassing three blocked arteries. Recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on overall health and lifestyle changes.

Is heart bypass surgery dangerous?

While it is a major surgery, the risks are minimal when performed by experienced surgeons. Proper post-operative care significantly improves outcomes.

 Conclusion

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a life-saving procedure for individuals with severe coronary artery disease. Understanding the procedure, recovery, and lifestyle changes post-surgery can help ensure a healthier future.