What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?

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Why do you need Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?

CABG involves creating new pathways for blood to reach the heart muscle by grafting blood vessels (usually from the chest, leg, or arm) to bypass blocked coronary arteries. It is recommended for:

  • Severe CAD: Multiple or critical blockages not treatable by angioplasty or stenting.
  • Symptoms: Chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue despite medication.
  • Complications: Heart attack, left main coronary artery disease, or heart failure.

Why Do CABG Costs Vary in Philippines?

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CABG Procedure

The CABG process involves several stages, tailored to the patient’s condition:

  1. Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis is confirmed via coronary angiography, which identifies blockages.
    • Tests like ECG, echocardiogram, stress tests, and blood work assess heart function and surgical risks.
    • Patients are counseled to stop smoking, manage diabetes, and control blood pressure Before surgery.
  2. Surgical Techniques:
    • Traditional (Open-Heart) CABG:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–6 hours.
      • A chest incision (sternotomy) exposes the heart, and a heart-lung bypass machine maintains circulation.
      • Grafts (e.g., saphenous vein from the leg, internal mammary artery from the chest, or radial artery from the arm) are sewn to bypass blocked arteries, restoring blood flow.
    • Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB):
      • Used for fewer blockages, avoiding sternotomy.
      • Small incisions between ribs access the heart, often without a bypass machine (off-pump CABG).
      • Offers faster recovery but is suitable only for specific cases.
    • Off-Pump CABG:
      • Performed without a heart-lung machine, with the heart still beating, reducing complications in high-risk patients.
  3. After Surgery:
    • Patients are monitored in the ICU for 1–3 days, with a total hospital stay of 5–7 days.
    • Tubes (e.g., chest drains, IV lines) manage fluid and support recovery.
    • Medications (e.g., aspirin, statins, beta-blockers) prevent clots and manage heart function.

Recovery After CABG

Recovery from CABG requires careful management and lifestyle changes:

  1. Hospital Stay:
    • Patients typically stay 5–7 days, including 1–3 days in the ICU.
    • Minimally invasive CABG may allow discharge in 3–5 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain at the incision or graft sites is managed with medications (e.g., paracetamol, opioids initially).
    • Patients are monitored for signs of infection, graft failure, or arrhythmias.
    • Medications like aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers are prescribed lifelong to prevent complications.
  3. Rehabilitation:
    • Cardiac rehabilitation begins 2–4 weeks post-surgery, including supervised exercise, dietary counseling, and stress management.
    • Light walking is encouraged within days; strenuous activities are avoided for 6–12 weeks.
    • A heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat, high fiber) and smoking cessation are critical.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months include ECG, echocardiograms, or stress tests to monitor heart function.
    • Lifelong cardiology check-ups (annually or as advised) ensure graft patency and heart health.

Most patients resume normal activities within 6–12 weeks, with minimally invasive patients recovering faster (4–8 weeks). Survival rates are 95–98% at one year and 85–90% at five years, depending on adherence to medical advice.

Risks and Complications

CABG is a major surgery with potential risks, though advancements have minimized these:

  1. Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding or infection at the incision or graft sites.
    • Graft blockage or failure, requiring further intervention.
  2. Heart-Related Complications:
    • Heart attack, arrhythmias, or heart failure, especially in patients with poor heart function.
    • Stroke due to blood clots or reduced blood flow.
  3. Lung or Kidney Issues:
    • Pneumonia or fluid buildup in the lungs, particularly after open-heart surgery.
    • Temporary kidney dysfunction, more common in diabetics or elderly patients.
  4. General Risks:
    • Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
    • Memory issues or cognitive changes (rare, usually temporary).

Prompt reporting of symptoms like chest pain, fever, or swelling ensures timely management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes coronary artery disease requiring CABG?

CAD results from plaque buildup in coronary arteries, often due to high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or hypertension.

Is CABG better than angioplasty?

CABG is preferred for multiple blockages, left main artery disease, or complex cases; angioplasty suits single or less severe blockages.

How long does a CABG graft last?

Arterial grafts (e.g., mammary artery) last 15–20 years or more; vein grafts may last 5–10 years, depending on lifestyle.

How soon can I resume work after CABG?

Desk job workers return in 6–8 weeks; physically demanding jobs require 10–12 weeks.

Is CABG covered by insurance in India?

Most insurance plans cover CABG if medically necessary. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications post-CABG?

Chest pain, fever, swelling, irregular heartbeats, or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention.

Can CABG be performed in elderly patients?

Yes, elderly patients can undergo CABG, often with minimally invasive techniques, if their overall health permits.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-CABG?

Adopt a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and manage stress, diabetes, and hypertension.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
200,000
600,000
Antipolo
200,000
600,000
Bacolod
200,000
600,000
Bacoor
200,000
400,000
Baguio
200,000
600,000
Butuan
200,000
400,000
Cagayan de Oro
200,000
600,000
Caloocan
200,000
400,000
Cebu City
250,000
800,000
Dasmariñas
200,000
400,000
Davao City
250,000
800,000
General Santos
200,000
600,000
General Trias
200,000
400,000
Iligan
200,000
600,000
Iloilo City
200,000
600,000
Las Piñas
200,000
600,000
Makati
250,000
800,000
Malolos
200,000
400,000
Manila
250,000
800,000
Muntinlupa
200,000
600,000
Parañaque
200,000
600,000
Pasay
200,000
600,000
Pasig
250,000
800,000
Puerto Princesa
200,000
600,000
Quezon City
250,000
800,000
San Fernando
200,000
400,000
San Jose del Monte
200,000
400,000
Taguig
250,000
800,000
Valenzuela
200,000
400,000
Zamboanga City
200,000
600,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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