What is coronary artery bypass surgery?

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is an effective treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD). It improves the blood supply to the heart muscle by using the patient's own blood vessels to bypass the aorta and the diseased coronary artery. Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is internationally recognized as the most effective treatment for coronary heart disease. It is mainly used to improve blood supply to the heart muscle, relieve angina symptoms, and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and death. The heart is like a pump, pumping blood all over the body. Coronary arteries are blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. If these blood vessels develop atherosclerosis and form plaques, resulting in stenosis or blockage of blood vessels, they will affect the blood supply to the heart muscle and cause coronary heart disease. Coronary artery bypass surgery works by using the patient's own blood vessels (e.g. internal mammary artery, great saphenous vein, etc.) to bypass the stenosis or blockage and restore blood supply to the myocardium. The procedure is as follows: 1. After general anesthesia, the patient lies flat on the operating table. 2. The doctor makes an incision in the chest, inserts a cardiopulmonary bypass machine through this incision, draws blood from the heart, oxygenates and regulates the body temperature through the artificial cardiopulmonary bypass machine, and then returns it to the heart, so that the heart is in a state of arrest during the operation. 3. In the case of cardiac arrest, the doctor operates on the surface of the heart to find the diseased coronary artery and treat it accordingly. 4. Transfer the prepared blood vessels (eg, internal mammary artery, great saphenous vein, etc.) anastomoses with aorta and diseased coronary artery to establish bypass.(5) After completion of bypass surgery, gradually restore heart beating and stop cardiopulmonary bypass machine.(6) Finally, close chest incision and the operation is over. Coronary artery bypass surgery is a complicated operation that requires experienced cardiovascular surgeons to perform. After surgery, patients need to be observed and treated in the intensive care unit for a period of time, after which they can gradually return to normal life. It should be noted that coronary artery bypass surgery is not suitable for all patients with coronary heart disease, and doctors will evaluate and select according to the specific conditions of the patient. In addition, patients need to take antiplatelet drugs and statins for a long time after surgery to prevent thrombosis and cardiovascular events. In short, coronary artery bypass surgery is an important treatment for coronary heart disease, which can effectively improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients. If you or a family member has coronary heart disease, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, communicate and discuss in detail with your doctor, understand the risks and benefits of surgery, and make decisions based on individual circumstances.