Few heart procedures are as life-saving as bypass surgery. Commonly known as bypass heart surgery or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), this type of surgery is a life-saver for patients suffering from advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). This is a very effective intervention for patients having bad arterial blockages, this can change their lives and can save them from symptomatic complaints like heart attack which poses a threat to life.


Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery is a procedure designed to restore blood flow to the heart when coronary arteries become obstructed by plaque. Plaque, a fatty substance, can build up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. Over time, this can lead to heart blockages and reduced oxygen supply to the heart, causing chest pain or even a heart attack.

Bypass surgery enables a surgeon to bypass blood around the obstructed artery through the use of healthy blood vessel tissue obtained from other portions of the patient's body to perform the bypass. This bypass then enables the blood to flow easily to the heart, which would relieve symptoms and drastically cut down on the chances for another heart attack.

coronary artery bypass surgery

Surgery Procedure

The process of bypass surgery involves several critical steps. First, the patient is placed under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. Depending on the extent of coronary disease, a patient may undergo a single, double, triple, or quadruple bypass surgery, which refers to the number of blocked arteries being bypassed.

  1. Grafting the Vessel: Surgeons typically use a healthy blood vessel from the patient's leg, arm, or chest to create the bypass. This is known as the graft.
  2. Attaching the Graft: The graft is sewn above and below the blocked artery, allowing blood to bypass the blocked section and flow freely to the heart.
  3. Heart-Lung Machine: In most cases, surgeons will stop the heart and use a heart-lung machine to keep blood and oxygen circulating through the body. However, in some cases, surgeons perform off-pump bypass surgery, meaning the heart remains beating throughout the procedure.

This surgery generally takes between 3-6 hours, depending on the complexity and number of bypasses required.

Types of Bypass

There are four types of bypass surgeries. They depend on the kind of coronary artery condition a patient has.

Single Bypass Surgery

This surgery involves bypassing one narrowed coronary artery.

Double Bypass Surgery

This surgery involves bypassing two narrowed coronary arteries in a bid to improve blood flow. 

Triple Bypass Surgery

This particular surgery is used where three coronary arteries are narrowed mostly in severe situations.

Quadruple Bypass Surgery

The most extensive, where four arteries are bypassed.

The choice of surgery depends on the number of arteries affected, the patient's overall health, and the surgeon's recommendation. In some cases, triple or quadruple bypass surgery is necessary when the coronary artery disease is widespread.

Surgery Recovery Time

Bypass surgery recovery is a gradual process. After surgery, patients typically spend a few days in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring, followed by a hospital stay of about a week. Recovery at home continues for several weeks to months.

The success rate of bypass surgery is high, with more than 90% of patients experiencing significant symptom relief and reduced risk of heart attacks. However, long-term success depends on adhering to medical advice and making sustainable lifestyle adjustments.

Need For Bypass Surgery

Why bypass surgery is done is rooted in its ability to save lives in cases of severe heart disease. In many situations, bypass surgery is the only viable option when other treatments like angioplasty or stent placement aren't sufficient. Patients with complex or multiple blockages benefit most from this procedure, which restores optimal blood flow to the heart muscle, preventing damage.

Doctors recommend bypass heart surgery when:

  • Multiple coronary arteries are blocked.
  • Blockages are present in critical areas of the heart.
  • Less invasive treatments have failed.

Stent vs. Bypass: Which One is Right?

A common question is the difference between stents and  bypass surgery, and when one option is better than the other.

  • Stent Placement: This procedure involves placing a small, wire mesh tube inside the blocked artery to keep it open. Stents are effective for less severe blockages and can often be done with minimal recovery time. However, they may not be suitable for complex or multiple blockages.
  • Bypass Surgery: Recommended for more severe or widespread artery blockages, bypass surgery provides a long-term solution by creating an entirely new pathway for blood flow.

Ultimately, the decision between a stent and bypass surgery depends on the patient's condition and the doctor's evaluation. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of each option with their cardiologist.

stent vs bypass
Stent Placement vs Bypass Surgery

Heart Bypass Surgery Age Limit

While there is no strict heart bypass surgery age limit, it's important to note that older patients may face more significant risks. However, advancements in surgical techniques and postoperative care mean that bypass surgery is increasingly safe for older individuals. The decision to perform surgery is based more on overall health than age alone.

Cost of Bypass Surgery in India

The cost of bypass surgery in India can vary widely, ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs. Factors affecting the cost include the hospital, surgeon's expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. Despite this, India remains a cost-effective destination for heart bypass surgery, offering world-class treatment at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

Dr. Manjinder Sandhu offers transparent pricing, ensuring patients understand all financial aspects before proceeding.

What is the Difference Between Bypass and Open Heart Surgery?

Many patients are confused about the difference between bypass and open heart surgery. Bypass surgery is a type of open heart surgery which pertains only to rerouting blood around blocked coronary arteries, but open heart surgery can cover any kind of procedure where the chest is opened and the heart operated upon. As grades increase, surgeries as serious as valve replacements, aneurysm repairs, and in extreme cases heart transplants are on the table.

Bypass Surgery Success Rate in India

Bypass surgery has a high success rate of 90%. Patients who undergo the surgery see an extreme diminution of symptoms and risk of heart attacks. Long-term success will, however, depend on your medical advice and ways of keeping a healthy lifestyle.

However, long-term results of the process depend completely on patient dedication to heart-healthy behaviour. The ultimate, complete, and sustained recovery is achieved through cardiac rehabilitation using medication along with lifestyle modification.

Dr. Manjinder Sandhu

A renowned cardiologist with years of expertise doing bypass surgery is Dr. Manjinder Sandhu. Many people have benefited from his method of patient care, which has helped them regain cardiac health and live longer, happier lives. Because of Dr. Sandhu's vast experience managing intricate cardiac problems, every patient is given a customised treatment strategy. 

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Gurugram

Max Hospital, B Block, Sushant Lok 1, Near Huda City Centre MF Husain Marg Near Huda City Centre, Sector 43, Gurugram, Haryana 122001

New Delhi

Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Press Enclave Marg, Saket District Centre, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017

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