Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery is the most common kind of heart surgery performed at the Lima Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute. It goes by many names – coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, coronary artery bypass (CAB), coronary bypass – but it is commonly known as just bypass surgery.
Bypass surgery involves sewing a section of healthy vein from the leg, chest or other part of the body to “bypass” a diseased coronary artery. This creates a new route for blood to flow, so that the heart muscle gets the oxygen-rich blood it needs. You’ll often hear the terms single bypass, double bypass and so on. This refers to the number of arteries that are bypassed, not necessarily how severe the heart condition is.
Do I Need Bypass Surgery?
Overall, bypass surgery is designed to treat symptoms of coronary artery disease (plaque buildup inside your arteries that blocks blood and oxygen from reaching your heart). Reasons your provider may encourage bypass surgery include:
- Severe narrowing of your heart’s main artery.
- A blockage in the left main artery of your heart.
- Experiencing chest pain caused by multiple narrowing arteries in the heart
- Multiple arteries are diseased and your lower left heart chamber is not working correctly.
- You have a blocked artery that cannot be treated with coronary angioplasty (a less invasive procedure).
- You have had a failed angioplasty (with or without a stent).
What Happens During My Bypass Surgery?
The bypass surgery process is much like open-heart surgery, except that the chambers of the heart are not opened. The breastbone (sternum) is divided, the heart is stopped and blood is sent through a heart-lung machine during the operation. Unlike other kinds of heart surgery, the chambers of the heart are not opened; bypass surgery is about treating the arteries that feed the heart.
Our Heart Team is Here for You
Bypass surgery is certainly not minor surgery, but our team is here to ensure you are informed at every stage of your care. The cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons at Lima Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute have the experience and expertise to provide you or your loved one with Great Care—care that can lead to better outcomes, a healthier heart.
To contact the Lima Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute or learn more about bypass surgery, call 419-224-5915.
Same-Day Appointments Available
If you suspect you are having heart issues and would like to be seen immediately, schedule a same-day heart appointment today by calling 419-224-5915.
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