Cardiac wellness is vital in giving heart patients more longevity and better overall health. Many individuals suffer from severe heart conditions demanding bypass or high-level heart surgeries. Thanks to advances in the medical sector, surgeries have become more accessible and comfortable for patients. Total arterial CABG is a game-changer in giving patients cardiac wellness by using arteries for grafting. The treatment process provides patients with more durable and positive cardiac function.

What is Heart Attack?

We all must have heard about terms like angina or heart attack. These are very common and essential terms concerning the well-being of our hearts. As an organ, the heart supplies blood to the whole body and needs blood and nutrition for its normal functioning; the heart gets blood supply from coronary arteries. Our system has three main coronary arteries to take care of different parts of the heart.

When these coronary arteries develop blocks, we have either Angina or heart attack.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal explains that a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, often due to the formation of a blood clot. This blockage disrupts blood flow to a part of the heart muscle, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. The result can be tissue damage or cell death. 

Factors like atherosclerosis typically cause heart attacks. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is vital, as swift intervention can save lives and reduce long-term complications. Dr. Mittal underscores the importance of heart attack awareness and prevention.

Why CABG( bypass surgery)?

The CABG is suggested when a person has a blockage in multiple coronary arteries. This decision also depends on the degree as well as the location of the blockage.

This decision is the sole discretion of a highly skilled team of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists.

What Is CABG? 

CABG is a crucial surgical intervention to relieve critical blockage in coronary arteries.

But is CABG an open heart, or are there some differences? If you think it is an open heart, then you are right. It is considered an open-heart surgery. Like an open-heart surgery, it also involves creating an incision through the breastbone to enter the heart. 

Once the surgeons access the patient’s heart, they can incorporate the grafting procedure to clear or bypass the coronary artery. A heart-lung stabilize machine is installed in the body to regulate the necessary functions during the surgery, including blood circulation and oxygenation. 

Then, veins are harvested from the legs to bypass the blockages in coronaries.

Why is an Artery Used in CABG?  

Coronary artery bypass grafting use artery because of their unique characteristics. Arteries are the muscular vessels of the body that look similar to the patient’s natural coronary arteries. This alikeness allows better tolerance power for the pressure and helps keep the cardiovascular system better.

Some of the arteries in our body have the peculiar characteristic of not developing disease for a long time, ensuring the durability of bypass operations.

Arteries provide impactful and long-lasting outcomes after the surgery. It lowers the risk of blockages and other heart complications compared to veins. Arteries’ adaptability to change is also one of the most significant factors to use in CABG.  

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal emphasizes the significance of using arteries in CABG: “As a cardiac surgeon, I’ve witnessed the remarkable advantages of utilizing arteries in coronary artery bypass grafting. Arteries, with their muscular and durable characteristics, closely resemble the patient’s natural coronary arteries. This similarity allows for better tolerance to pressure and contributes to the overall health of the cardiovascular system.

Moreover, specific arteries in the body possess a unique resistance to developing diseases over time, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the bypass operation. This remarkable trait significantly lowers the risk of future blockages and other heart complications, ultimately enhancing the patient’s quality of life.

Statistics show that patients who undergo CABG with arterial grafts often experience better long-term outcomes and a reduced need for follow-up interventions than those with vein grafts. This underscores the importance of choosing the suitable conduit for bypass surgery, and arteries have proven to be a superior choice.”

How many Types of CABG are There? 

Various types of CABG are incorporated into the treatment according to the medical needs and complexity of the patients, which include –  

• Total Arterial CABG Process – This cardiac surgery process utilizes the arteries instead of veins for grafting. Patients can expect a long-term positive outcome through this surgery.
• Traditional CABG Process – This is the conventional grafting method where one or more veins or arteries are taken from the patient’s body and grafted onto the coronary arteries. This process helps in creating diversions for the blood flow around the blockages.  
• Minimally Invasive CABG Process – This CABG process involves making a small incision with a specialized instrument to access the patient’s heart. This reduces pain and enhances recovery.
• Hybrid CABG Process – This combination of medical processes includes treating the patient’s condition. CABG, with processes like stent placements and angioplasty, offers cardiac wellness to patients.
• Off-Pump CABG Process – In this surgery, a heart stabilizing device is inserted to perform the grafting without disturbing the patient’s heartbeats. 

Is CABG Better than Angioplasty? 

CABG and angioplasty are two different treatment processes for heart patients. The choice between them is based on different factors, including the medical condition, the complexity of the blockages, and the condition of the patients. CABG uses the artery or veins to clear the blockages around the heart and is helpful for patients with more complex diseases. 

Conversely, angioplasty involves inserting a stent to expand the narrowed artery. It gives rapid relief to patients who are suffering from fewer heart blockages. Comparison of these treatments is not justiciable because one effectively treats fewer blockages, and the other performs more complex back-ups smoothly.

Dr. Mittal says the decision between CABG and angioplasty is challenging and should be based on a comprehensive review of the patient’s situation. It’s critical to recognize that these are two distinct techniques for treating heart blockages, each with its benefits.

CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) is usually suggested for individuals with more challenging and extensive blockages. It entails creating bypasses around the obstructions utilizing arteries or veins, providing long-term relief and increased blood flow to the heart. Statistics demonstrate that CABG can be highly beneficial in these circumstances, minimizing the requirement for follow-up therapies.

Angioplasty, on the other hand, which includes placing a stent to expand a blocked artery, is better suited for individuals with less severe blockages. It provides immediate comfort and a less intrusive choice. However, it may need more regular monitoring and maintenance.

The decision between these therapies is not one-size-fits-all. It is determined by various circumstances, including the patient’s overall health, the intricacy of the obstructions, and their preferences.

Patients must meet with a highly skilled panel of specialists who can thoroughly examine their illness and propose the most appropriate treatment. Personalized treatment and shared decision-making are critical to attaining the greatest results.”

How Much is the Cost of Treatments Related to Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG) in Delhi?

In Delhi, the approximate cost for off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery ranges from Rs. 1,78,500 to Rs. 2,31,000. In contrast, the approximate price for on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery ranges between Rs. 1,99,500 to Rs. 2,46,750. These figures reflect the varying expenses associated with different techniques used in CABG procedures within the region.

What Medication is Given after CABG? 

After treatments that help patients recover, relieve pain, and improve cardiovascular health, surgeons prescribe pain relievers to minimize the pain of the surgery. 

Blood thinners like aspirin and clopidogrel stop blood clot formation in the grafts. Drugs like statins help reduce cholesterol levels. Beta-blockers and diuretics are also incorporated as medicine to support controlled blood pressure and eliminate extra fluid from the body. 

Certain modifications in the lifestyle with the help of experts are also mandatory. 

What is the Success Rate after the Total Arteries CABG?

The total arteries CABG process is complex, and the success rate depends on various factors. Patients’ age, medical background, and overall health complications are some factors that can affect the success rate after the surgery. The success rate is low in comparison to other surgical treatments. 

Arteries feed the heart with oxygenated blood that ensures nourishment and proper functioning. This helps the heart pump effectively to fulfill the body’s circulatory needs. The function of arteries is essential to regularize the body’s and heart’s daily workings. Total arteries CABG is important in treating patients suffering from heart complications and complexities. This CABG process ensures the patient has better cardiac health and a long lifespan. Many heart patients benefit from this surgery and live a better life without any struggle. 

“Dr. Mittal surpasses the job of a simple physician; he is a savior of lives,” said one of his satisfied patients. “I was panicky when I learned the ominous news that my aorta had been dissected. But Dr. Mittal’s consistent poise and great knowledge gave me an unexplainable sense of tranquility. Words fail me when I try to express how grateful I am for the life-saving operation he performed.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Unlocking Insights

1. What is the typical recovery period after Total Arterial CABG?

Although the recovery period is a personal journey, most patients can anticipate a gradual upswing in their condition lasting several weeks or months.

2. Are there dietary restrictions post-CABG surgery?

Indeed, a heart-healthy diet is typically advised—embracing low-fat, low-sodium, and high-fiber foods that fortify cardiovascular health.

3. Can physical activities like exercise or sports be resumed after CABG?

Certainly, post-CABG, the resumption of physical activities, including exercise and sports, is pivotal to recovery. 

4. Is Total Arterial CABG suitable for all heart patients?

While Total Arterial CABG holds promise, suitability hinges on individual medical assessments, with your healthcare team steering the course to the most appropriate treatment.

5. What are the potential risks associated with CABG?

CABG, while generally safe, echoes the risks intrinsic to surgical endeavors. These include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications, which your healthcare team will thoughtfully explain.