CABG bypass surgery in mumbai​

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a medical process that helps restore the blood flow to the heart when the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed down. At Gleneagles Hospitals, we ensure that our patients receive the best care with our experienced professionals. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure a successful and positive outcome for those who require CABG bypass surgery in Mumbai​.

CABG is becoming more and more common among heart patients and saving lakhs of lives. The top surgeons at Gleneagles recommend this life-saving procedure after careful diagnosis and evaluation of the patient’s condition. Let’s understand more about heart bypass surgery, who needs it, how it’s performed, and what you can expect during recovery.

Coronary artery bypass graft, also known as CABG, is a type of heart surgery that helps to improve the blood flow to your heart. When the arteries that provide blood to your heart muscle are blocked or narrowed down because of plaque (fatty deposits), your heart does not receive enough oxygen-filled blood. This condition is known as coronary heart disease and can cause chest pain (angina) or even heart attacks.

During the CABG process, a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of your body, like your chest, leg, or arm. This is then connected to the coronary artery above and below the narrowed or blocked area. This new pathway that is formed is called “by pass”. It allows the blood to flow around the blocked area, ensuring normal blood supply to the heart muscle.

There are many reasons why your doctor may suggest coronary artery bypass, and most of them include the following:

• Relieving severe chest pain despite any medical treatment;
• Restoration of blood flow to your heart muscle when the coronary arteries are blocked;
• Reducing the risk of having a heart attack;
• To save life during a life-threatening heart attack when other treatments have failed;
• Improving the overall quality of life.

CABG surgery in Mumbai is performed based on parameters like the severity of the problem, the arteries involved in the conditions, the overall condition of the patient, and if other diseases like diabetes are existent.

There are several approaches to performing heart bypass surgery:

1. Traditional (On-Pump) CABG 

• This is the most common type of open heart surgery:
• Your heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over, pumping blood through your body
• Best CABG surgeons in Mumbai make a large incision down the centre of your chest and separate your breastbone
• After creating the bypass, they restart your heart and close your chest 

2. Off-Pump CABG (Beating Heart Surgery) 

In this variation: 

• Your heart continues beating throughout the procedure
• No heart-lung machine is used
• This might reduce certain complications for some patients
• Not suitable for all types of blockages 

3. Minimally Invasive CABG 

This approach involves: 

• Smaller incisions between your ribs
• Specialised surgical tools
• Sometimes robotic assistance
• Quicker recovery than traditional methods
• Not appropriate for multiple bypasses

Understanding the difference between bypass and open heart surgery is important. While all CABG procedures are a form of heart operation, not all use the traditional open approach.

Before your heart surgery procedure at Gleneagles Hospitals, you'll undergo several steps:

Step 1: Medical Evaluation 

• Complete health assessment
• Blood tests to check organ function
• Chest X-rays and ECG
• Coronary angiogram to map your blockages
• Discussion about your medical history and medications 

Step 2: Pre-Surgery Instructions 

• Stop taking certain medications like blood thinners
• Avoid eating or drinking for 8-12 hours before surgery
• Bathe with special antibacterial soap
• Follow any specific instructions from your surgical team 

Step 3: Mental Preparation 

• Learn about what to expect during and after surgery
• Ask questions about recovery and rehabilitation
• Consider arranging help at home for your recovery period

Understanding the CABG procedure steps helps reduce anxiety about what happens during your heart operation in Mumbai:

Step 1: Anesthesia 

The procedure begins with general anaesthesia, putting you into a deep sleep so you won't feel pain during surgery. 

Step 2: Chest Access 

For a traditional open heart surgery procedure: 

• The surgeon makes an incision down the center of your chest
• Your breastbone (sternum) is divided to access your heart
• For minimally invasive techniques, smaller incisions are made between ribs 

Step 3: Harvesting Blood Vessels 

• Blood vessels are taken from your chest (internal mammary arteries), leg (saphenous veins), or arm (radial arteries)
• These will become your new bypass grafts 

Step 4: Heart Preparation 

• For on-pump CABG:
• Your heart is temporarily stopped
• A heart-lung machine takes over circulation
• For off-pump bypass surgery, your heart continues beating 

Step 5: Creating Bypasses 

• One end of the graft vessel is attached to the aorta (the main artery leaving your heart)
• The other end is attached to the coronary artery below the blockage
• Multiple bypasses may be created for several blockages
• These new pathways allow blood to "bypass" the blockages 

Step 6: Closing Up 

• Your heart is restarted (if stopped)
• The heart-lung machine is disconnected
• Your breastbone is rejoined with wires
• Your chest incision is closed with stitches or staples

The entire CABG procedure typically takes 3-6 hours, depending on how many bypasses you need.

Recovery from CABG bypass surgery in Mumbai​ happens in stages:

Stage 1: Hospital Stay (5-7 days) 

• First 24-48 hours in intensive care for close monitoring
• Breathing tube removed once you're awake and breathing on your own
• Gradual increase in activity with help from nurses and physical therapists
• Pain management with medications Learning wound care and medication schedules 

Stage 2: Early Home Recovery (First 6 weeks) 

• Limited physical activity with gradual increases
• Wound care and watching for signs of infection
• Taking prescribed medications
• Avoiding driving for 4-6 weeks
• Following dietary guidelines
• Attending follow-up appointments 

Stage 3: Cardiac Rehabilitation 

• Structured exercise program under medical supervision
• Education about heart-healthy lifestyle
• Emotional support and stress management
• Usually begins 2-4 weeks after surgery
• Continues for 3-6 months 

Stage 4: Long-term Recovery (2-3 months) 

• Return to normal activities, including work
• Implementation of heart-healthy habits
• Regular check-ups with your doctor
• Continued medication as prescribed

Most people notice a significant improvement in symptoms like chest pain after CABG surgery and can return to their regular activities within 2-3 months.

Like any major surgery, coronary artery bypass graft comes with potential risks:

1. Common Complications 

• Infection at the incision sites
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Temporary confusion or memory problems
• Pain or discomfort during recovery
• Fever and chest fluid buildup 

2. Serious but Less Common Risks 

• Bleeding requiring transfusion
• Stroke
• Heart attack during or after surgery
• Kidney problems
• Lung complications
• Failure of the bypass grafts

The risk of complications depends on your age, overall health, and other medical conditions. At Gleneagles Hospitals, our experienced surgical teams work to minimise these risks through careful planning and monitoring.

Gleneagles Hospitals is a preferred choice for bypass surgery in Mumbai for several reasons:

Expert Cardiac Teams: Our best CABG surgeons in Mumbai have extensive experience in performing complex CABG procedures 

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Advanced cardiac operating rooms and intensive care units with the latest technology
• Comprehensive Care: From pre-surgical evaluation through rehabilitation
• Excellent Outcomes: High success rates and lower complication rates than national averages
• Patient-Centered Approach: Personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs
• Multi-Disciplinary Support: Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists working together