All about coronary bypass surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery is considered the gold standard in the treatment of various heart conditions. For 55 years, specialists have been resorting to this cardiac surgery to restore normal blood flow in the heart muscle. The coronary arteries are involved in the saturation of the heart with oxygen, but, like the vessels, they are susceptible to atherosclerosis. The gaps narrow, the blood supply to the heart muscle is disturbed, the cells die from lack of nutrition, and coronary disease occurs. Shunting is scheduled.

Clinical picture for bypass surgery:

• Myocardial infarction;
• Heart disease;
• Coronary syndrome in the acute stage;
• Severe ischemia;
• Angina pectoris and ineffectiveness of drug therapy.

The blocked areas of the vessels are shunted with an arterial graft. Shunts are material that a doctor takes from patients. It includes healthy arteries and veins. The vascular implant, bypassing the area of ​​the blocked coronary artery, outlines a new trajectory. Shunts deliver blood with oxygen to this area of ​​the myocardium. Coronary artery bypass surgery significantly minimizes the risk of heart attacks and reduces the manifestations of angina pectoris.

About the operation

The operation lasts up to 5 hours. This factor varies by the number of arteries (1-5) that need to be bypassed. The patient is given general anesthesia and sometimes an AIC heart-lung machine is used. Doctors prepare shunts. There are several types, and only the surgeon decides which one to use for the patient. More often, long arteries are taken, for example, the thoracic, which in medical language is called “mammaria”. The doctor may also remove the radial artery from the arm. In this case, after the operation, a course of calcium channel blockers is prescribed. The medicine keeps the artery open.

At the end of the operation, the blood moves freely along the new path. AIC is turned off, and the heart works independently. Using a special wire, the electrodes are hemmed, and drainage is installed. The skin is sutured, including the subcutaneous tissue. If it is not possible to restore the natural heart rhythm, then a pacemaker is connected to the electrodes.

Recovery

Patients are transferred for several days in the intensive care unit and resuscitation. Doctors monitor their condition and prepare for discharge. It is imperative to follow the recommendations, take medications that relieve pain and inflammation. If the seam on the chest heals well, then you can wash under a quick warm shower. It is allowed to use ordinary soap without additives. While there are crusts, you can not rub the seam with a washcloth. Do not neglect light physical activity, daily walks.

Patients who notice clicking and mobility in the chest are advised to immediately contact the clinic. This also applies to an increase in temperature above 38 degrees, and if suppuration appears in the area of ​​the seam. This indicates the presence of an inflammatory infectious process.