CAB, or coronary artery bypass surgery, is a type of cardiac surgery that is used to treat blockages in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients. These blockages can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, and can increase the risk of a heart attack.
During CAB surgery, the surgeon creates a bypass around the blocked or narrowed portion of the coronary artery using a blood vessel taken from elsewhere in the body, such as the leg or chest wall. This creates a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart muscle, bypassing the blocked or narrowed area.
CAB surgery can be done using several different techniques, including on-pump and off-pump procedures. On-pump CAB surgery involves using a heart-lung bypass machine to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs during the surgery. Off-pump CAB surgery, also known as beating heart surgery, is performed while the heart is still beating, without the use of a bypass machine.
CAB surgery is typically recommended for patients who have significant blockages in one or more of the coronary arteries that are causing symptoms or putting them at risk of a heart attack. The surgery can improve blood flow to the heart and relieve symptoms such as chest pain. It can also improve overall heart function and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
Like all surgeries, CAB surgery carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, and complications related to anesthesia. However, for many patients with significant coronary artery blockages, the benefits of CAB surgery far outweigh the risks, and it can be a life-saving procedure. Patients who are considering CAB surgery should discuss the risks and benefits with their cardiologist and surgeon to determine if it is the right choice for them. Devadass Hospital has the best cardiologist in Madurai.