Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery is done to improve the blood flow in the coronary arteries, insuring that the heart muscle is getting the supply of oxygen-rich blood it needs to stay healthy. If you have experienced chest pain (angina) or a heart attack (myocardial infarction), there has been some narrowing or blockages in your coronary arteries at one or more points. Your coronary anatomy will be evaluated during your coronary angiogram and will be reviewed by your cardiologist and cardiac surgeon to determine the number of bypasses you will need.

During surgery, an incision is made down your chest, and your sternum (breastbone) is divided to allow access to your heart. Another incision is made on the inside of your leg to obtain veins for the bypasses.

During surgery, an artery from your chest wall (internal mammary artery - LIMA or RIMA) and/or a vein from your leg (saphenous vein) is used to make a bypass over the narrowed sections of your coronary arteries. The internal mammary artery is usually only used for one bypass. The saphenous vein from your leg is long and can be used for several bypasses. Each bypass is sewn first to the native coronary artery below the blockage or narrowing, then attached to the aorta (the internal mammary artery already originates from a branch of the aorta) so it can collect the oxygen-rich blood leaving the heart.

After the bypass grafts are sewn on, your breastbone is brought together with stainless steel wire and your incisions are sewn with sutures underneath the skin. You will then be transferred from the operating room to the Surgical Heart Unit (SHU). Your cardiac surgeon will discuss your operation with your family while the nurses in the SHU get you settled in your new room. When you are completely settled, the SHU nurses will contact your family in the Surgical Family Waiting Room so they may come back and visit you.