CABG / Bypass Surgery
Expert Evaluation and Personalized Surgical Planning for Coronary Artery Disease
Being advised to undergo Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery, commonly known as Heart Bypass Surgery, can feel overwhelming. Patients and families often have many questions: Why has bypass surgery been recommended? Is angioplasty still an option? What happens during surgery? How long is the recovery?
At Dr. Karan Porwal’s Cardiac Surgery Practice, every patient receives a comprehensive evaluation before any treatment recommendation is made. CABG surgery is not recommended solely based on the percentage of blockage. Instead, it is planned after carefully assessing the pattern of coronary artery disease, heart function, overall health, associated medical conditions, and long-term treatment goals.
Whether you have recently undergone coronary angiography, have been diagnosed with multiple blocked arteries, or are seeking a second opinion before heart surgery, our goal is to provide clear information and personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions.
What is CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery)?
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure performed to improve blood flow to the heart muscle when one or more coronary arteries become significantly narrowed or blocked due to coronary artery disease.
During CABG surgery, a healthy blood vessel (called a graft) from another part of the body is used to create a new pathway around the blocked artery. This allows oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart muscle more effectively.
The objective of bypass surgery is to improve blood circulation to the heart, relieve symptoms, and support long-term heart function when clinically appropriate.
Understanding Coronary Artery Disease
The heart continuously pumps blood throughout the body and requires its own blood supply through the coronary arteries.
Over time, these arteries may become narrowed because of plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Reduced blood flow can lead to symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or fatigue. In some cases, severe blockages increase the risk of a heart attack.Coronary artery disease may involve:
- Single-vessel disease
- Double-vessel disease
- Triple-vessel disease (TVD)
- Left main coronary artery disease
- Diffuse coronary artery disease
The pattern and location of blockages play an important role in treatment planning.
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
Patients may experience:
- Chest pain or pressure (Angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue during physical activity
- Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Heart attack in some cases
When May CABG Surgery Be Recommended?
CABG may be considered after a detailed clinical evaluation in selected patients, depending on the overall pattern of disease and individual circumstances.
Factors that may influence the discussion include:
- Triple vessel coronary artery disease
- Left main coronary artery disease
- Multiple significant coronary blockages
- Diffuse coronary artery disease
- Diabetes with multivessel disease
- Reduced heart function (Low Ejection Fraction)
- Previous angioplasty or coronary stents
- Recurrent symptoms despite medical therapy
- Coronary anatomy that may not be suitable for other treatment options
The decision is individualized and based on a comprehensive assessment rather than one investigation alone.