Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: What to Know and What to Expect

Coronary artery bypass surgery is one of the most common types of heart surgeries performed to improve blood flow to the heart. When the coronary arteries become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup — a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD) — the heart may not receive the oxygen-rich blood it needs to function properly. 

For many patients, coronary artery bypass surgery is a life-saving procedure that restores healthy blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack or worsening symptoms of heart disease.

What is coronary artery bypass surgery?

Coronary artery bypass surgery, often referred to as bypass surgery, involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart. During the surgery, a surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body — typically the leg, arm, or chest — and uses it to bypass the blocked or narrowed section of the coronary artery. This new path allows blood to flow freely to the heart, which improves its ability to function and reduces symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

When is coronary artery bypass surgery needed?

Bypass surgery is typically recommended for patients who have severe coronary artery disease or who have not found relief through other treatments, such as medications, lifestyle changes, or less invasive procedures like angioplasty. The surgery is usually advised when:

• There are multiple blocked arteries or a significant blockage in the left main coronary artery
• The patient has severe chest pain (angina) that medications or other procedures have not been able to control
• The heart’s function has been impaired, which has led to a reduced ability to pump blood effectively
• There is a high risk of heart attack due to the severity of the blockages

Taking into account your medical history and overall health, a heart specialist will evaluate your condition and determine if bypass surgery is the best course of action.

What to expect during surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes three to six hours, depending on the complexity of the case. In most instances, open-heart surgery is required, meaning the chest is opened to access the heart. The heart may be stopped temporarily while a heart-lung machine takes over its function during the procedure.

In some cases, however, surgeons may use off-pump bypass surgery, in which the heart continues to beat while the surgeon performs the bypass. Your surgeon will determine the best approach based on your specific condition.

What to expect during recovery

Recovery from coronary artery bypass surgery can vary from patient to patient but generally involves a hospital stay of about five to seven days, including a few days in the intensive care unit (ICU). 

Once you return home, full recovery may take anywhere from six to 12 weeks, during which time patients typically undergo cardiac rehabilitation to help strengthen the heart and improve overall health.

Here are a few things to expect during recovery:

• Rest and healing – Your body will need time to heal, so rest is essential. Your doctor will provide guidelines on when you can return to normal activities.
• Pain management – Discomfort or pain in the chest and where the blood vessel was removed is normal, but it should improve over time.
• Cardiac rehabilitation – Your doctor may recommend a structured cardiac rehab program, which can help you regain strength, manage risk factors, and adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle.
• Follow-up care – Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor your recovery and ensure your heart is healing properly.

Take the next step with the Oklahoma Heart Hospital

If you’ve been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and your doctor has recommended bypass surgery, it’s natural to have concerns or questions. The expert team at Oklahoma Heart Hospital is here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial consultation to recovery. 

Our experienced surgeons and dedicated staff are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact us today to learn more.