Procedure for CABG - Off Pump

What is CABG - Off Pump?

CABG - Off Pump is the type of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery performed by the heart surgeons without the assistance of a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass), while the heart is still beating and pumping blood.

The other type of surgery is on pump CABG that is done with the assistance of bypass pump.

What is CABG?

CABG is a surgical procedure is commonly performed to treat a coronary artery disease – which is caused by the building up of plaque (a waxy substance) in the blood vessels, thereby narrowing the path for free blood circulation.

During the procedure, a healthy vein taken usually from a leg or an arm is grafted to replace the blocked artery. After CABG, the blood flow is routed through the new path bypassing the blocked path. The surgeon might have to bypass more than one block during a coronary artery bypass.

What is Off Pump CABG Procedure?

The objective of this procedure is to carry out the bypass surgery without stopping the functions of heart or lungs. The heart will still be beating and pumping blood while the surgeon is grafting bypass veins to clear the blockages.

Off-pump CABG procedure is an advanced technique of coronary artery bypass that has been developed to evade any possible complications of on pump CABG. Both types – on pump and off pump heart surgeries are highly effective.

What are the CABG Complications?

CABG procedures have technically advanced overtime and the success rate is very high. However, in rare instances certain signs of complications relating to the surgery are indicated. Such bypass surgery risks include –

• Over bleeding during the surgery or post-surgery
• Blood clots in the veins
• Pneumonia - lung infection caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi
• Infection at the surgical site
• Pancreatitis - inflammation of pancreas in the upper abdomen that releases insulin and glucagon into the blood
• Kidney failure
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Difficulties in breathing
• Swelling and numbness in legs and arms
• Fatigue and vomiting
• A heart attack, stroke, or lung problems
• Failure of the graft or graft rejection
• A cardiac attack causing sudden death

How Can You Ensure Faster CABG Recovery?

The heart surgery recovery would take about 6-12 weeks depending on individual person's body conditions, although the tiredness may continue for at least 3 months. To ensure a speedy recovery keep in mind the following things:

• Be clean and keep your environment clean to avoid infections.
• Take your medicines on time.
• Attend regularly the follow up clinics.
• Eat heart-healthy foods.
• Monitor your weight.
• Do regular checkups on your blood pressure and diabetics.
• Be active and engage in not-heavy physical activities.
• Do not smoke.
• Reduce the stress levels.