Cardio bypass surgery is a serious medical procedure that carries some risk. It usually is undertaken only as a "last resort," but the likelihood of survival and increased health outweighs concerns.
Identification
The proper medical term for cardio bypass surgery is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The procedure bypasses blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.
Significance
The pros and cons of cardio bypass surgery are straightforward. The procedure involves open-heart surgery and carries the risk of causing heart attack and stroke, as well as other major-surgery complications like hemorrhaging and infection.
Considerations
When a doctor orders CABG, it usually is the only option remaining to prevent heart attack, stroke or death. According to Dr. Andrew D. Michaels and Kanu Chatterjee of the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, some patients have coronary plaques that are not amenable to balloon angioplasty or stenting. The coronary artery is too small, or there is a complete blockage that cannot be crossed with the balloon.
Benefits
After CABG, angina (chest pain) is usually reduced. Even the incision doesn't bother most people after the first two or three, according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Another bonus is the return of energy and stamina.
Prognosis
A week-long stay in the hospital is normal, with complete recovery taking as long as three months. According to the UCLA Department of Surgery, the long-term results of CABG are excellent.
Tags: bypass surgery, attack stroke, cardio bypass, cardio bypass surgery, coronary artery, heart attack