A CABG, or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, is a surgical procedure in cardiology designed to improve blood flow to the heart when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked.
In essence, CABG surgery creates a new route for blood to reach the heart muscle, bypassing the blocked or narrowed arteries. This is also commonly referred to as heart bypass surgery.
Understanding the Need for CABG
The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function correctly. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering this blood. When these arteries become clogged with plaque (atherosclerosis), it reduces blood flow, leading to:
- Angina: Chest pain or discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Increased risk of heart attack.
How CABG Works
During a CABG procedure, a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body—often the leg, arm, or chest—and is connected (grafted) from the aorta (the main artery carrying blood from the heart) to a point beyond the blockage in the coronary artery. This creates a detour around the narrowed or blocked section, restoring adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.
Key Aspects of CABG Surgery
- The Graft Vessel: Commonly used vessels include the saphenous vein from the leg, the internal mammary artery from the chest, or the radial artery from the arm.
- The Procedure: It's typically performed as open-heart surgery, requiring a median sternotomy (cutting through the breastbone). Minimally invasive CABG techniques also exist, using smaller incisions.
- Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Often, the heart is stopped during the procedure, and a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) takes over the function of circulating blood and oxygenating it. "Off-pump" CABG is performed without using the heart-lung machine.
- Benefits: CABG can significantly reduce angina, improve heart function, and lower the risk of heart attack.
- Risks: As with any surgery, CABG carries risks such as bleeding, infection, stroke, and arrhythmia.
In summary, CABG is a crucial surgical intervention in cardiology that restores blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries, ultimately improving heart health and quality of life.
