Dr. Nilesh Purkar : Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Many patients develop coronary artery disease each year. This results in blockages and artery hardening due to the accumulation of cholesterol and calcium in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart. If these blockages are not corrected, a heart attack may result because insufficient blood can reach the heart. Stents can clear out a lot of these obstructions.
What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), and when is it Needed?
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical treatment for blocked or constrictive cardiac arteries. The heart muscle is susceptible to injury, known as a heart attack, and potentially death when arteries that supply oxygen to the heart are obstructed.
An artery or vein from another body region is utilized in a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure to reroute blood flow around the obstruction. Internal mammary arteries from the chest wall and sections of the patient’s veins are used by surgeons to create new passageways for blood and oxygen to reach the heart.
Typically, the patient’s legs are used in a minimally invasive procedure to remove the veins needed for this reconstruction, leaving only a few tiny incisions behind. CABG can alleviate symptoms and perhaps stop a heart attack by restoring blood flow to the heart.
Who Needs a CABG?
The majority of bypass surgery candidates will benefit from this minimally invasive procedure. This is especially true for individuals more vulnerable to complications after open heart surgery due to age, frailty, or other medical disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), obesity, or immunocompromised status.
However, not all bypass patients qualify for this treatment. Adhesions and scar tissue from previous chest or lung surgery, radiation therapy, or intrapleural chemotherapy may make it more challenging to reach the heart. However, these are not outright prohibitions. We assess each situation carefully before making a judgment.
Get the right treatment of your coronary artery bypass with Dr. Nilesh Purkar. Contact us to make your heart healthy.