10 May 2019 A coronary artery bypass graft is a surgical procedure performed to solve coronary artery problems that compromise heart function due to oxygen transport deficits. In a coronary bypass, an alternative route diverts blood circulation from the defective portion of the coronary vessel. As a rule, blood vessels from other places in the patient’s body are used in the bypass, including: The internal thoracic artery The gastroepiploic artery The radial artery The saphenous vein. They bridge the healthy ends of the affected coronary vessel and take over from it. Restoring coronary circulation decreases the symptoms of coronary heart disease, as well as the likelihood of other problems, such as an acute myocardial infarction. Coronary bypass is one of the treatment options available for coronary heart disease. However, decisions on any treatment are always weighted according to the individual characteristics of each patient and their disease. After a detailed evaluation of the problem, the doctor will advise on the possible treatments in each case . How long does the procedure last? Coronary bypass is performed under general anaesthesia and takes an average of three to five hours . In the conventional approach, the heart is accessed with a vertical incision in the midline of the thoracic cavity at the level of the sternum. What does it entail for the patient? The patient is admitted the day before or the day of the procedure and will remain in hospital for about five days . Complete recovery from a coronary bypass can take one to two months , and patients progressively return to their normal routine. The doctor will give instruction on: Care to be taken during the recovery period Normal activities Returning to work. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
