Coronary Bypass Surgery
HeartCare Associates of Connecticut
Cardiovascular Specialists located in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven & Wallingford, CT
Coronary bypass surgery is a procedure to benefit those with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The skilled cardiovascular specialists at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, with convenient locations in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford, Connecticut, perform many surgical procedures to improve heart health and quality of life, including coronary bypass surgery. To schedule an appointment with the cardiovascular specialists, call the office most convenient to you or click the online booking tool.
Coronary Bypass Surgery Q & A
What is coronary bypass surgery?
Coronary bypass surgery is a procedure that restores blood flow to your heart by diverting the flow around a blocked or narrowed section.
To perform the procedure, your surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from either your leg, arm, or chest and connects it to the blood vessels in your heart, so it bypasses the blocked or narrowed portion.
Why would I need coronary bypass surgery?
Your cardiovascular specialist at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut discusses in detail with you why you would benefit from coronary bypass surgery. Your doctor may suggest the procedure if:
- You’re experiencing severe chest pain
- You have more than one blocked coronary artery
- You’re not a good candidate for other procedures
They may also recommend coronary bypass surgery if the main artery on the left side of your heart is blocked or narrowed. This is the artery that supplies your heart with the most oxygen-rich blood.
The procedure is also sometimes performed in an emergency situation as a treatment for a heart attack.
What happens during coronary bypass surgery?
Coronary bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure conducted under general anesthesia and can take 4-6 hours. Because general anesthesia suppresses your respiration, a ventilator is used to manage your breathing during surgery.
Your surgeon first cuts through your chest to gain access to your heart and then removes the healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm, or chest and attaches it around the affected artery in your heart.
Your heart is temporarily stopped while your surgeon performs your coronary bypass, and all cardiac functions are re-routed to a heart-lung machine.
After the surgery is complete, your surgeon stimulates a heartbeat and takes you off the heart-lung machine. They then close your chest cavity.
You may remain in the hospital for up to a week following coronary bypass surgery.
How long is the recovery following coronary bypass surgery?
Your recovery can take up to 12 weeks following coronary bypass surgery. To support your healing and help you regain your strength, the team at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut develops a cardiac rehabilitation program that includes specific exercises to support your recovery.
You may experience an improvement in your cardiovascular disease symptoms following your surgery, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. The procedure may also improve overall heart function and reduce your risk of dying of heart disease.
For expert cardiac care from an experienced team, contact HeartCare Associates of Connecticut by phone or online today to discuss coronary bypass surgery.