Heart bypass surgery also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). It is carried out to boost blood flow to the heart by taking blood vessels from another part of the body to bypass the damaged arteries.
A heart bypass surgery is required when the arteries around or inside the heart get blocked due to the presence of fatty material called plaque, This condition leads to the impairment of blood flow to the heart. This condition can lead to heartaches or even heart failure. A heart bypass surgery is performed to help facilitate the flow of oxygen and blood to the heart arteries for better functioning.
Prior to the surgery, anesthesia will be given to the patient. The surgery beings once the patient becomes unconscious. An incision will be made in the middle of the chest exposing the heart. Then, the patient is given external help to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body. The blood vessel that blocks the blood from flowing to the heart will be operated. Once the bypass is complete, the patient will be stitched up and taken to the ICU (intensive care unit) for monitoring.