When is coronary artery bypass surgery recommended?
In general, bypass surgery is recommended when: • The main heart artery is significantly narrowed. • All three of the arteries in the heart are blocked or have reduced blood flow. • The blocked arteries can’t be treated with angioplasty or stenting. • The heart function is reduced significantly due to blockages, and bypass surgery improves survival in such patients. Bypass surgery often relieves symptoms of chest pain, called angina, improves exercise performance and reduces the risk of a heart attack. Discuss with your doctor whether your coronary artery bypass can be performed using a minimally invasive technique. The decision depends on your overall health, the severity of your coronary artery disease, how many bypasses need to be created and various other factors. “Traditional” Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery When performing traditional bypass surgery, the surgeon makes a six- to ten-inch surgical incision down the center of the chest, separating the breastbone to reach the heart. S
In general, bypass surgery is recommended when: • The main heart artery is significantly narrowed. • All three of the arteries in the heart are blocked or have reduced blood flow. • The blocked arteries can’t be treated with angioplasty or stenting. • The heart function is reduced significantly due to blockages, and bypass surgery improves survival in such patients. Bypass surgery often relieves symptoms of chest pain, called angina, improves exercise performance and reduces the risk of a heart attack. Discuss with your doctor whether your coronary artery bypass can be performed using a minimally invasive technique. The decision depends on your overall health, the severity of your coronary artery disease, how many bypasses need to be created and various other factors. “Traditional” Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery When performing traditional bypass surgery, the surgeon makes a six- to ten-inch surgical incision down the center of the chest, separating the breastbone to reach the heart. S
