What
CABG commonly uses the patient's own arteries or veins as grafts, with the type determined by anatomy and assessment. A common approach is for the cardiac surgery team, with anesthesia monitoring, to create bypasses around narrowed vessels. This can be performed with cardiopulmonary bypass or on a beating heart, with minimally invasive techniques used when necessary. After surgery, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit for monitoring of breathing, circulation, and bleeding, then gradually transitions to a regular ward. The aim is to improve myocardial perfusion and symptoms. The above is general health information and not medical advice; specific care is based on specialist assessment and the hospital treatment plan.
How
- Under anesthesia, the patient's own arterial or venous grafts are used.
- A new blood flow pathway is created using cardiopulmonary bypass or an off-pump technique.
- After surgery, breathing, circulation, and bleeding are monitored in the intensive care unit.
Recovery
After surgery, patients are initially monitored in the intensive care unit, then gradually begin getting out of bed and performing breathing exercises, while monitoring incision pain and signs of infection. Follow-up visits are scheduled to assess cardiac function, wound healing, and the medication plan. Air travel and cross-border travel require confirmation by a doctor. If a sternotomy is performed, sternum protection and gradual weight-bearing principles should be followed; timing depends on individual recovery.
- Monitoring takes place in the intensive care unit after surgery, with activity gradually started.
- Attend scheduled follow-up visits to assess cardiac function and healing.
- Follow sternum protection and gradual weight-bearing principles.
FAQ
Can grafts become blocked?
Any blood vessel may develop restenosis or progression of disease. Regular follow-up and risk factor management are important; no treatment outcome can be guaranteed.
Can cardiac rehabilitation be included?
Cardiac rehabilitation can support physical capacity and lifestyle management. Whether it is started and its intensity are determined by specialist assessment.
How should I care for the chest incision?
Keep it clean and dry, change dressings and monitor for warning signs such as redness or drainage as instructed by your doctor. Contact the medical team promptly if abnormalities occur.
When can I fly or take a long-distance trip?
This should be based on the doctor's assessment. In general, travel should be arranged after follow-up confirms stable breathing and circulation and satisfactory wound healing.
How soon can I get out of bed and move around?
This is usually guided in stages by the rehabilitation and surgical teams, progressing from sitting at the bedside to walking. The pace varies according to individual recovery.
What documents should I bring to the hospital?
It is recommended to bring original reports from previous angiography/CCTA, ECG, echocardiography, and laboratory tests to support surgical planning and follow-up comparison.
Will I need a blood transfusion during surgery?
Whether a transfusion is needed depends on intraoperative bleeding and hemoglobin levels. The hospital has relevant assessment and management plans and will provide treatment as needed.
Will I need long-term medication after surgery?
Most patients need to continue secondary prevention measures such as antiplatelet therapy, lipid management, and blood pressure and blood glucose management. Specific treatment is individualized by the follow-up doctor.