Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Procedure

Purpose

• CABG: Used to improve circulation to the heart muscle.
• Function: Connects a healthy artery or vein to a blocked coronary artery, bypassing the blockage and restoring oxygen-rich blood flow.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

• Intravenous Line: Started for medication administration.
• Medication: Given to help the patient relax.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia used, patients are asleep during the procedure.
• Breathing Tube: Inserted to assist with breathing.
• Catheter: Placed in the bladder to drain urine.

Surgical Procedure

• Duration: Generally takes 3-6 hours.
• Incision: Made over the breastbone (sternum).
• Heart Access: Sternum is cut, rib cage moved for heart access.
• Heart-Lung Machine: May be used, performing the heart and lung functions if heart is stopped.

Types of Grafts

• Internal Thoracic Arteries: Left attached to subclavian artery, redirected to coronary artery.
• Saphenous Veins: Sutured from aorta to the narrowed artery past the blockage.

Post-Surgery Actions

• Electrical Signals: Used to restore heartbeat.
• Temporary Pacemaker: Attached if needed.
• Sternum & Incision: Wired and sutured back.
• Drainage Tube: Inserted beneath the incision.

Off-Pump Bypass Surgery

• Heart Beats: Continuously during surgery.
• Mechanical Device: Steadies the heart part being grafted.
• Minimally Invasive: Performed using small incisions or ports.

Post-Operative Care

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Initial monitoring post-surgery.
• Heart Monitoring: Activity is closely monitored.
• Pacing Wires: Used if needed for heart rate control.
• Chest Tube: Drains excess blood and air.
• Breathing Tube: Replaced with an oxygen mask once patient can breathe independently.
• Catheter: Remains until recovery.

Recovery

• Duration: 3-5 days for device removal.
• Discharge: Patients advised to contact doctor if experiencing medication side effects or other concerns.