CABG

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)?
Coronary artery bypass graft or CABG is a surgical procedure whereby a surgeon takes a vein or artery from a patient's chest, leg or arm and grafts it on to the blocked artery. This results in normal blood flow to the heart muscles.

What types of surgery are available?
Minimal Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
For some patients, minimal invasive coronary artery bypass surgery may be an option. During this surgery, smaller chest and graft removal incisions are used. This enhances the recovery rate and lessens the risk of infection.
Off-pump Bypass Surgery
This is also know as 'beating heart surgery', and is carried out whilst the heart is still beating. The surgeon utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to stabilize sections of the heart and blocked artery, whilst the rest of the heart continues its normal function.
What are the tests required?

The test required before the procedure is:
    Blood Test
    ECG
    Chest X-ray
    Echocardiogram

What is the cost of the procedure?
The cost of the procedure is about 6500 USD.

What is the success rate?
The success rate of success of CABG has been around 90%
How much time is required?
CABG surgery normally takes from 3 to 5 hours. If your CABG surgery has been planned, you may be admitted into the hospital the morning or afternoon before your surgery. On average, the hospital stay after a coronary artery bypass surgery is between five to seven days

What type of anesthesia will be given?
General  anesthesia.

How will patient recover?
Recovery time varies from person to person. However, normally, patients recovering from CABG surgery can take between 6 to 12 weeks. Less recovery time is required for minimal invasive heart surgery and off-pump heart surgery.
For the first four weeks, it is advisable not to drive. Strenuous activity should be avoided. Patients can resume normal sexual activity, but should refrain from positions that may put to much strain on the chest or upper arms. Normally, you may return to work around six weeks after recovery or sooner if your job is non-strenuous.

What should be cared?
The incision should be kept dry and clean and protected from bumps and scratches.
Swelling or aching in the legs may be experienced. Support stockings may need to be worn to help reduce the swelling. And walking daily will help improve circulation and lesson swelling.
The patient may also need to make lifestyle changes that may include: giving up smoking, weight control, dietary changes, participate in a monitored exercise program supervised by a professional, take prescribed medicine, follow-up visits to health care provider.