The coronary arteries are the two arteries that surround the heart and supply the heart muscle (myocardium). the bypass surgery will make it possible to bypass the blocked arteries which have narrowed and thus prevent the first heart problems.
What are the indications for coronary bypass surgery?
Coronary artery disease causes angina, shortness of breath, chest pain and can lead to a heart attack or heart attack. However, before carrying out a bypass surgery, other solutions are being explored, such as stents, balloons or the drug method. If they fail because there are too many stenoses, angioplasty is no longer possible and would not be sustainable. Likewise, if the left coronary artery becomes obstructed, bypass surgery is inevitable for the survival of the patient. Bypass surgery is also preferred during heart surgery showing affected coronaries. The stenoses are then processed at the same time.
How is the operation going?
Under general anesthesia, this intervention lasts between 3 and 6 hours, then it takes about 3 days in intensive care and a few additional days in a surgical department. The surgeon will choose the vessels to be grafted (grafts) according to the coronary artery to be treated: the vein of the leg, the mammary arteries or the radial artery. In general, the operation is carried out with an open heart. The surgeon opens the breastbone or makes an incision in the rib cage. Once the grafts are removed, he sets up an artificial heart-lung which will take over the function of the heart. The grafts will thus be connected to the aorta and the coronary arteries to bring oxygenated blood to the heart. Then the machine is removed and the surgeon sutures the breastbone.
Does it hurt?
Postoperative pain is common and can last for two years. They are more acute the first days after surgery and mainly affect women. Chest and musculoskeletal pain may be related to previous shoulder problems or improper positioning on the operating table. Physiotherapy sessions as well as personalized analgesic treatment will relieve this suffering.
What are the potential complications ?
the bypass surgery is one of the most reliable conventional surgery in the field of cardiovascular treatment. The risks and serious side effects are low if the patient does not have a history of heart disease. However, during the procedure, the threat of a heart attack is 5%. When the bypass surgery is performed without an emergency character, the operation is very unlikely to end in death.
What are the postoperative consequences?
After the bypass surgery, the narrowing of the arteries is treated, but does not cure the origin of the disease. To avoid a relapse, it is therefore imperative to follow your medication and change your habits, such as:
- quitting smoking;
- monitor their diet;
- do a physical activity;
- Avoid alcoholâ ?? ¦
Regular checks will check blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels to prevent hypertension.
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