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Introduction
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is one of the most common and effective treatments for severe coronary artery disease (CAD). India is known for providing high-quality CABG treatments at relatively low costs compared to Western countries. Here’s a detailed overview of CABG treatments in India:
CABG Overview
CABG is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart. It involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (usually the leg, arm, or chest) and using it to bypass the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle.
CABG procedure can be conducted as an open surgery, but minimally invasive coronary heart bypass technique has gained an immense popularity in the last few years.
Depending on the medical needs of the patients, CABG surgery is sometimes combined with minimally invasive valve replacement. During this procedure, one or more narrowed, blocked or damaged valves are removed and replaced with a synthetic or a biological valve for improved blood flow within the walls of the heart.
Types of CABG
Off-Pump CABG: Also known as beating heart surgery, performed without stopping the heart and without the use of a heart-lung machine.
Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass (MIDCAB): A less invasive option involving smaller incisions and often performed on a beating heart.
Cost of CABG in India
The cost of CABG in India is significantly lower than in many Western countries. On average, the cost ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the hospital, the complexity of the case, and the type of CABG performed. This is in contrast to the $70,000 to $200,000 range in countries like the United States.
Preoperative Care
- Thorough Evaluation: Includes blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, coronary angiography, and other diagnostic tests.
- Medical Clearance: Patients may need to get clearance from their cardiologist and other specialists if they have additional health conditions.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Patients are advised to stop smoking, manage diabetes, and adhere to a heart-healthy diet.
Postoperative Care
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Initial recovery occurs in the ICU where patients are closely monitored.
- Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation programs help patients regain strength and adopt heart-healthy habits.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits with the cardiologist and surgeon to monitor recovery and manage any complicatios.
Advantages of CABG in India
- Highly Skilled Surgeons: Many Indian cardiac surgeons are internationally trained and have extensive experience.
- Advanced Medical Technology: Indian hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology and infrastructure.
- Cost-Effective: Significantly lower costs for surgery and postoperative care.
- Comprehensive Care: Integrated care that includes diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Shorter Wait Times: Faster scheduling of surgeries compared to many Western countries.
Tips for International Patients
- Choose Reputable Hospitals: Look for hospitals accredited by international organizations like Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Understand the Procedure: Have a detailed discussion with the surgeon about the type of CABG recommended and the expected outcomes.
- Plan Your Stay: Ensure accommodation arrangements are made for preoperative and postoperative periods.
- Travel Arrangements: Be aware of visa requirements, travel insurance, and other necessary arrangements
What are the causes of Coronary Artery Disease?
Some of the major causes of CAD include the following:
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Stress
- Family history of CAD
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Diseases
Some of the symptoms of Coronary artery disease include the following:
- Palpitations and chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
There are no early symptoms of a CAD. The aforementioned symptoms appear only when the disease has progressed and must be treated with the help of CABG. After the surgery, the CAD symptoms are greatly reduced or completely eliminated.
How to recover from CABG surgery?
Recovery after single bypass, double bypass, triple bypass and quadruple bypass:
Recovery after CABG surgery takes time. The patient is required to stay in the hospital for at least a week after the procedure. They are advised to practice some deep breathing exercises to fasten up recovery. Coughing is also recommended, as it helps reduce the risk of pneumonia. Dietary intake of high-risk foods such as salty, fried and saturated fat-containing foods should be strictly avoided after the surgery. Foods that build up cholesterol in the blood must also be avoided.
Smoking should be completely stopped after the surgery and efforts should be taken to maintain weight. Patients may have to wait for at least six to eight weeks before returning back to sedentary work. Patients may feel weakness and fatigue immediately after the surgery.
However, certain exercises must be performed to gain back strength of the muscles. They should immediately inform their doctor in case they experience any allergic reaction resulting in pain, swelling, and redness. In addition, medical guidance is warranted in the case of fever, chills and any kind of drainage from the site of the incision.
What are the risks of heart bypass surgery?
There are some possible complications of CABG surgery. Side effects of heart bypass surgery are following:
- Blood loss
- Heart attack
- Fever
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Drainage from incision site
- Atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat
- Stroke or heart attack
- Lung or chest infection
- Chest pain
- Memory lo
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