Firoozabadi Medical Education Center

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): A Comprehensive Overview of Coronary Heart Disease Treatment

Introduction

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is one of the most common surgical procedures used to treat coronary artery disease. When the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked, this can lead to heart attacks or heart failure. In such cases, coronary artery bypass surgery is performed to restore normal blood flow to the heart by bypassing the blocked or narrowed arteries.

CABG is an effective, long-term treatment option for patients with blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, particularly when other treatments like medications or stents have failed to improve blood flow. In Iran, Firouzabadi Hospital in Tehran is one of the leading medical centers providing this surgery using advanced technologies and a skilled medical team, making it a popular destination for patients in need of CABG surgery.

1. What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is a procedure used to treat coronary heart disease, which occurs when fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked arteries. As a result, blood flow to the heart is reduced, which can cause chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.

During CABG, the surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (usually the leg or chest) to create a new route for blood to bypass the blocked or narrowed arteries. This new route allows blood to flow normally to the heart, relieving symptoms and improving heart function. Depending on the number of affected arteries, one or more bypasses may be performed.

1.1. Reasons for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

CABG is performed to treat coronary artery disease, which is caused by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries. This buildup reduces blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of heart attacks. Common reasons for CABG include:

• Stable and unstable angina: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
• Heart attack: A complete or near-complete blockage of the coronary artery.
• Multiple blocked arteries: Particularly in patients with diabetes or heart failure, when multiple coronary arteries are blocked.

The surgery is typically performed when medications or other treatments such as angioplasty or stenting fail to improve blood flow or relieve symptoms.

1.2. Types of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

There are several types of coronary artery bypass surgeries, and the choice of surgery depends on the patient’s condition and overall health. Common types include:

1. Traditional bypass surgery: Performed using a heart-lung machine, which keeps blood circulating while the heart is temporarily stopped.
2. Off-pump bypass surgery: The surgery is performed while the heart continues to beat, without using the heart-lung machine.
3. Minimally invasive bypass surgery: Involves smaller incisions than traditional surgery, reducing recovery time.

Each type of surgery has its advantages and challenges, and the choice of procedure depends on the patient’s specific medical needs.

2. The Stages of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

CABG involves several stages, from medical evaluation and preparation before the surgery to the surgery itself and postoperative care to ensure full recovery.

2.1. Preoperative Preparation

Before undergoing CABG, the patient must undergo thorough testing to evaluate overall health and determine the extent of artery damage. These tests include electrocardiograms (EKG), coronary angiography, and blood tests. The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Additionally, the medical team provides a detailed explanation of the procedure, its risks, and the steps involved, helping to prepare the patient both mentally and physically for the surgery.

2.2. The Surgery

During the surgery, the surgeon opens the chest to access the heart and coronary arteries. A healthy blood vessel (usually from the leg or chest) is harvested and used as a graft to create a new route for blood to bypass the blocked arteries. In traditional CABG, the heart is temporarily stopped while a heart-lung machine maintains circulation. However, in off-pump surgery, the heart continues to beat throughout the procedure.

Once the new blood route is established, the surgeon closes the chest, and the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring

2.3. Postoperative Care

After the surgery, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring, where they typically stay for two to five days. The patient’s vital signs, heart function, and blood pressure are closely monitored. The patient may experience some pain or discomfort in the chest or at the site where the blood vessel was harvested.

The recovery period after CABG can take several weeks, during which the patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities. A cardiac rehabilitation program, including physical therapy and a heart-healthy diet, is recommended to help the patient regain strength and improve heart function.

3. Benefits and Risks of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

CABG offers significant benefits, such as improved blood flow to the heart and reduced risk of heart attacks, but it also carries some risks that need to be considered.

3.1. Benefits

The key benefits of CABG include:

• Improved blood flow to the heart: Restoring normal blood flow to the heart reduces the risk of heart attacks.
• Relief of symptoms: Such as chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath, improving the patient’s quality of life.
• Increased life expectancy: For patients with severely blocked coronary arteries, CABG can increase life expectancy and improve overall heart health.

3.2. Risks

Like any major surgery, CABG carries certain risks that patients should be aware of, including:

• Infection: The surgical site or the area where the blood vessel was harvested may become infected.
• Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery.
• Stroke: Caused by a blood clot during the procedure.
• Respiratory complications: Some patients may experience breathing difficulties after surgery.

It is important for patients to discuss these risks with their surgeon before surgery to understand the potential challenges and ensure that appropriate precautions are taken to minimize risks.

4. Firouzabadi Hospital in Tehran: A Leading Center for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Firouzabadi Hospital in Tehran is one of the leading centers in Iran for CABG. With a highly skilled medical team and advanced technologies, Firouzabadi Hospital has become a preferred destination for local and international patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery.

4.1. Expert Medical Team

Firouzabadi Hospital is staffed with a team of highly experienced cardiac and vascular surgeons who specialize in coronary artery bypass surgery. This team has a proven track record of success in performing complex CABG procedures and uses the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

4.2. Advanced Technology and Modern Facilities

The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, including heart-lung machines and advanced imaging systems, which help surgeons perform precise surgeries and minimize the associated risks.

4.3. Comprehensive Postoperative Care

Firouzabadi Hospital provides comprehensive postoperative care for CABG patients, including intensive care and rehabilitation programs to ensure full recovery. Patients are closely monitored after discharge through follow-up visits and therapy sessions to support their recovery and help them return to normal life.

5. Benefits of CABG at Firouzabadi Hospital

Firouzabadi Hospital offers high-quality medical services at affordable costs, making it an attractive option for patients both in Iran and abroad. Key benefits include:

• Experienced medical team: Skilled surgeons and specialists with extensive expertise in heart surgery.
• Advanced equipment: Use of cutting-edge medical devices to ensure high precision and success in surgery.
• Affordable costs: Providing top-quality medical care at competitive prices compared to international centers.

Conclusion

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is one of the most effective surgical treatments for coronary artery disease, helping to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Firouzabadi Hospital in Tehran offers an ideal environment for this surgery, combining expert medical care with modern technology and affordable costs, making it an excellent choice for patients seeking heart treatment. Whether you are suffering from blocked coronary arteries or looking for specialized medical advice, Firouzabadi Hospital can provide the necessary treatment to ensure your health and well-being.