Which Artery is Used for Bypass Surgery?

Bypass Surgery Grafts: Best Arteries & Veins for CABG

Bypass surgery is a life-saving procedure used to restore blood flow to the heart when arteries are blocked. The choice of artery plays a crucial role in the success of the surgery. Typically, surgeons use the internal mammary artery, radial artery, or saphenous vein to create a new route for blood flow, improving heart function and patient outcomes.

Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery

This surgery is also known as CABG, a procedure to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). In this disease, the coronary artery, a blood vessel, narrows down, limiting the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to the heart muscle. When fatty material starts to build up within the walls of the arteries, the person is at risk of getting CAD. This build-up is responsible for narrowing the insides of the arteries, restricting oxygen-rich blood flow.

The procedure to treat blockage in the artery is to bypass it with a piece of healthy vessel. This blood vessel can be procured from anywhere in the rest of the body. Blood vessels for grafting are usually arterial grafts (e.g., IMA, radial artery) due to better long-term outcomes. Veins are the second-line for non-LAD targets.. The medical expert will then attach one end of the graft towards the upper half of the blockage and the other end to the other half of it.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease

Early CAD might not display significant symptoms. However, the disease does not subside until there is enough blockage to cause complications and symptoms. Here is a list of symptoms that you must look out for:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Breathlessness
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Indigestion
• Swelling of hands and feet

Undergoing a CABG restores the blockage of arteries, ensuring that there is no lack of blood in the heart. If you do not undergo surgery, even after these prominent symptoms, chances are that the blood supply to heart muscles declines over time. This decline has a probability of further blocking a coronary artery, leading to cardiac arrest.

Risks Related to Bypass Surgery

Certain risks surround bypass surgery. Here is a list of threats that you must consider before you decide to undergo bypass surgery:

• Kidney failure
• Death
• Blood clots that might lead to cardiac arrest, stroke, or lung problems
• Failure of the graft
• Getting an infection in such an incision area
• Pneumonia
• Kidney failure
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Breathing issues  

Preparation for Bypass Surgery

Here are certain ways that you can prepare for bypass surgery.

• You will have to fill out a consent form, which will allow you to do the test. Carefully go through this form and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
• You must avoid eating or drinking fluidsfor about 8 hours before the surgery.
• If you are pregnant or anticipating pregnancy, communicate with your healthcare provider.
• You may be given a specific body wash to clean your body before the surgery.
• If there are certain medications that you are allergic to, communicate about them.

Matters to Keep in Mind

However, there are certain matters that you have to keep in mind before agreeing to undergo bypass surgery. Here is a list to help you in doing so:

• The name or test of the procedure
• The reason behind undergoing the procedure
• If there are any possible side effects or complications
• The outcome you are expecting from the procedure
• The risks and benefits of undergoing the surgery
• Are there any alternative procedures for the disease

Undergoing a bypass surgery ensures that your heart health is restored. It is crucial that you take medical advice if you consider the same.