Bypass Surgery

There are different types of bypass surgeries tailored to the patient’s specific needs:

• Single bypass: It is performed when only one artery is blocked.
• Double bypass: It involves two blocked arteries.
• Triple Bypass: It addresses blockages in three arteries.
• Quadruple Bypass: The most extensive, involving four blocked arteries.

The type of surgery depends on the severity of arterial blockages and your overall health.

Bypass surgery is recommended when lifestyle changes, medications, or less invasive procedures like stenting are not enough to address coronary artery disease. The main goal is to improve blood flow to the heart, alleviate symptoms such as chest pain (angina), and reduce the risk of a heart attack.

You may need bypass surgery if you:

• Experience severe chest pain that limits daily activities.
• Have multiple blocked arteries affecting blood supply to your heart.
• Suffer from a heart condition where other treatments have failed.
• Face a high risk of a heart attack due to critical arterial blockages.

By ensuring proper blood circulation, bypass surgery can significantly enhance your quality of life and, in many cases, extend your lifespan.

Like any major surgical procedure, bypass surgery carries certain risks. However, advances in medical technology and skilled surgical teams have significantly minimised complications. Potential risks include:

• Infection: Wound infections may occur at the incision site.
• Bleeding: Post-surgical bleeding is a possibility.
• Blood Clots: These can lead to complications like stroke.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats may develop temporarily.
• Memory Issues: Some patients report short-term memory loss or difficulty concentrating.

It’s important to remember that for many patients, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Your healthcare team will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and recovery.

Understanding the steps involved can help demystify the procedure. Here’s what typically happens during bypass surgery:

• Preparation: You’ll be placed under general anaesthesia to ensure you’re asleep and pain-free.
• Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in your chest to access the heart.
• Graft Selection: Healthy blood vessels from another part of your body—often your leg, arm, or chest—are harvested to create the bypass.
• Bypass Creation: These grafts are used to reroute blood flow around the blocked arteries.
• Completion: The chest is closed, and you’ll be taken to a recovery area for monitoring.

The surgery usually takes 3-6 hours, depending on the complexity. Post-surgery, you’ll spend some time in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation.

The BM Birla Hospital is a trusted choice for coronary heart bypass surgery due to its advanced medical technology, experienced cardiac surgeons, and excellent care standards. With a focus on patient well-being, it offers personalised treatment, modern infrastructure, and a proven track record of successful outcomes, ensuring top-quality cardiac care.