Guide Note

Heart bypass surgery is a surgical procedure used to direct blood around blocked arteries in the heart. A healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm, chest or abdomen is used to connect to the damaged arteries in your heart so the blood is routed around the blocked or diseased artery. Heart bypass surgery does not cure the underlying disease.

During heart bypass surgery a large incision is made in the chest while the blood flow is diverted through a heart-lung machine. The incision is made down the center of the chest beside the breastbone. The rib cage is then spread apart to expose the heart. Then the heart is stopped and the heart-lung machine takes over pumping the blood. The surgeon will then remove a healthy blood vessel and attach it above and below the blockage on the defective artery so that the blood flow is re-directed around the blockage.

You can expect to spend at least a day or two in intensive care after your heart bypass surgery. Provided there are no complications you can expect to be discharged in about a week. Your recovery period will take about six to twelve weeks. Most of the time you are able to return to work after six weeks.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as coronary artery bypass surgery or coronary artery bypass graft
2. Heart has four chambers.
3. Chambers: 2 artria, 2 ventricles
4. Surgery uses piece of vein from leg or artery from the chest or wrist
5. Heart disease #1 killer in America
6. Takes between 3 to 6 hours
7. Requires general anesthesia
8. In most cases provides considerable improvement or complete relief

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you Heart Bypass Surgery, please consult your doctor.