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Heart Surgery: Understanding Coronary Artery Bypass
Heart Surgery: Understanding Coronary Artery BypassSurgeryCoronary Artery Bypass Surgery helps to restore blood flow to the heart. It is sometimes called CoronaryArtery Bypass Grafting. The heart is a muscle that pumps oxygen and nutrient rich blood throughout the body.On the outside of the heart, large blood vessels called Coronary Arteries wrap around the surface and deliveroxygen and nutrients to the heart, so it can do its job. Normally blood flows easily throughout the heart and tothe rest of the body. But over time, the blood vessels can become damaged.A fatty substance called plaque can build up in the coronary arteries. Plaque causes the arteries to narrow,reducing or completely blocking, the amount of blood that can get to the heart. When the heart doesn’t getenough blood and oxygen, parts of it can become permanently damaged and even die. This can lead to chestpain called Angina, or heart attack.During Coronary Artery Bypass surgery, a blood vessel from your leg, forearm or chest is removed and usedon the surface of your heart to create a new route for blood to flow. It will ‘bypass’ the clogged portion of yourcoronary artery and restore blood flow to your heart, allowing it to once again receive the oxygen and nutrientsit needs to function.In the operating room you will be given medication to help you sleep called Anesthesia. Little disks calledElectrodes are attached to monitor you. And an IV provides you with medication, anesthesia and fluids. Onceyou are asleep, a catheter is used to collect urine and a breathing tube helps you breathe. A Heart-lungmachine may be used.Coronary Artery Bypass surgeries usually last from 3 to 6 hours depending on the number of blockages thatneed to be bypassed. Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery will improve the health of your heart and improve itsability to pump blood throughout your body making you feel better overall.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA10170B EN HeartSurgeryUnderstandingCoronaryArteryBypassSurgery.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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Watch this video to learn about what to expect during a coronary artery bypass graft procedure.
Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a path for blood to flow around a blockage and helps prevent a heart attack.
This surgery is one way to treat blocked areas in the arteries of the heart. See how the surgery is done, and what to expect before and after.
Watch this video to learn what to expect during a Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting procedure.
