Coronary artery bypass surgery is a type of heart surgery. It is like talking an access road to get around a clogged part of a highway. The surgery is done to reroute, or "bypass," blood around the clogged arteries that supply blood to the heart. These arteries are often clogged by the build up over time of fat, cholesterol and other substances. 
The narrowing of these arteries slows or stops the flow of blood through the heart's blood vessels. It can lead to heart attack. Bypass surgery improves the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.
What happens during bypass surgery?
Your doctor may "borrow" blood vessels form other places in your body:
- A piece from a long vein in your leg may be removed and one end is sewn onto the large artery leaving your heart (the aorta).
- The other end of the vein is attached or "grafted" to the coronary artery below the blocked area.
- An artery may be detached from your chest wall and the open end attached to the coronary artery below the blocked area.
- Either way, blood can then use this new path to once again flow freely to the heart muscle.
Bypass surgery usually takes from three to six hours. Your doctor will decide how many and which kinds of grafts will be best for you.
What happens after surgery?
After surgery, you will recover in an intensive care unit (I.C.U.). You will most likely stay there for 1-2 days.
- When you first wake up, you will feel confused and unsure of what is happening. This is NORMAL. The nurses will tell you that surgery is over and let you know you are in the I.C.U.
- The I.C.U. is a noisy, busy place where the lights are always on. Most patients lost track of time. This is normal and will pass as you recover.
What are the tubes and wires for?
- One of the first things you will notice is a breathing tube in your mouth. This tube goes down your throat and into your windpipe. It is connected to a machine that helps you breathe. It will feel uncomfortable and you will not be able to eat or talk.
- The I.C.U. nurses will help you communicate until the tube is removed. The tube will be taken out as soon as you can breathe on your own.
- The I.C.U. nurses will record your heart rate, breathing, and other vital signs at all times. To do this, you will be hooked up by tubes and wires to many instruments.
Can my family visit me?
Your family can visit you briefly in the I.C.U. to help you through your stay. Soon, you will be moved to a quieter hospital room and rest for a few days before going home.
Where can I get more information?
Before you leave the hospital, you and your family will be given instructions about what to do as you heal. Your doctor will tell you how to slowly return to your normal activities and how to make healthy changes in you diet and exercise habits. You may also want to meet other people who have been through bypass surgery.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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