Advantages of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is basically done to improve the blood flow to your heart. It is considered beneficial for treating diseases in the coronary artery. CABG is also commonly known as bypass surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery and heart bypass surgery.
In coronary artery bypass grafting, a healthy artery or vein is connected, or grafted, to the blocked coronary artery. It has been divided into three types. It will entirely depend on your medical condition that which type of CABG will suit you best. The types of this surgery are as follows:
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Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting: During this surgery, small incisions are made on the left portion of the chest to gain access to your heart. This surgery is used to bypass the blood vessels present in the front portion of the heart.
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Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: While performing this procedure, the chest bone is opened up to access your heart. Your heart is not stopped during the surgery.
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Traditional coronary artery bypass grafting: Initially, the surgeon will open up the chest bone to gain access to the heart. The heart is stopped using medications and the body is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine to circulate oxygen and blood throughout your body.
Patients undergoing CABG must also know that this surgery brings along certain benefits as well. Benefits of CABG include:
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Lower risk of suffering from a stroke
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Lower death rate
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Reduced injury to the heart
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Shorter hospital stay
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Fewer heart rhythm problems
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Long term effects
So, discuss with your healthcare provider and know which type of CABG is best for you and also its potential benefits.