St Vincents Private Hospitals

How does it work?

Heart bypass surgery works by using a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in your body to bypass the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. Creating this alternative pathway is known as a bypass route, and helps restore an oxygen-rich blood supply to your heart. Each coronary artery that is damaged can be replaced by a blood vessel from another area of your body, usually from your leg, arm or chest. This is known as a graft.

Why is it performed?

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery can be performed as an emergency treatment for a blocked artery, or as recommended by your doctor to treat coronary heart disease. Common symptoms indicate an increased risk of heart failure and may include:

• Severe chest pain (angina) caused by restricted blood flow to the heart
• Breathlessness
• Swelling
• Palpitations

Some patients still require surgery even if they have no symptoms related to their coronary disease.

Procedure

Heart bypass surgery is a major procedure and can take several hours to complete. You will be given enough anaesthetic to ensure you remain asleep during the surgery and a cut will be made down your breastbone to reach your heart. You will be connected to a special machine that allows your heart to be still during the surgery. The replacement blood vessels are attached to the coronary artery above and below the blockage. Once the bypass is in place, your doctor will restart your heart and get the blood flowing again. 

Recovery

Recovery looks different for every patient, but most will need to stay in hospital for one week after coronary heart bypass surgery. At first you will be closely monitored in intensive care before continuing your recovery in the ward. By the end of the week, most patients can walk and use the stairs. On returning home you will be more fatigued than normal and will require extra rest in addition to your rehabilitation exercises. Your doctor will give you a personalised rehabilitation program including instructions for diet, exercise, activities, and medication. Full Coronary artery bypass graft surgery recovery can take up to three months.