Vladimir Stefanov is a professional surgeon with a great deal of experience in heart bypass surgery (CABG). This operation is considered one of the most widespread types of surgery and is performed when the blood vessel becomes blocked. In this article, Vladimir Stefanov will share his experience, and tell how to prepare for the operation, how it goes, what are the potential risks.

General Information about Heart Bypass Surgery

The operation is performed in cases when coronary arteries are blocked. While chest pain is the most common symptom, there are other symptoms that include weakness, sweating, and nausea. The purpose is to recover blood flow and enhance the ability of the heart to pump.

In this matter, this procedure will improve heart function and reduce the chance of a heart attack. During this operation blocked blood vessels are removed and replaced with arteries. Generally Its a safe operation and in many cases is the best treatment option, says Vladimir Stefanov. During his career as a surgeon, he has performed dozens of CABG procedures.

The CABG procedure is performed as an open operation, but in the last few years, the minimally invasive technique has gained huge popularity. Vladimir Stefanov points out that heart bypass surgery is a complex procedure that requires a lot of time to prepare and recover. Most often, it is performed as an inpatient procedure. But in some cases, CABG is performed as an emergency surge, for example, if a patient has a heart attack. The surgery may be done in infants and children, but not for the same reason that adults. Most often, infants and children have heart bypass surgery due to a congenital heart defect.

Vladimir Stefanov says that this operation is necessary for a few situations:

- The patient is in chest pain that is caused by a blockage in arteries;

- The left artery is blocked;

- The patient needs treatment for a heart attack but other types of treatment dont work.

A candidate for this surgery must satisfy several criteria. Thus, the decision to perform the procedure is made depending on factors such as age, general health, a heart condition, and the symptoms of the disease.

Vladimir Stefanow Tells how to Prepare to Heart Bypass Surgery

There are a few things to do when preparing for heart bypass surgery. Around 10 days before the procedure patients need to:

- Stop taking certain medication. The patient should consult with a doctor as some drugs such as aspirin or other blood thinners, should not be taken;

- Prepare the home for the return from the hospital. Also, the patient should find someone who will pick him up from the hospital;

- Eat a healthy diet and make exercise regularly. But its necessary to consult with the doctor before starting any type of workout;

- Have some necessary tests. The physician will prescribe different types of lab tests to ensure that the patient is healthy enough for the heart bypass surgery. These tests should be done a few days before the procedure.

If the patient smokes, he should stop at least 10 days before surgery, since there is a risk of blood clotting and breathing problems. In addition, smoking is a serious risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Vladimir Stefanov about Heart Bypass Surgery Operative Details

Generally, there are a few ways to perform this operation. During the traditional CABG, which is performed in 70% of cases, the chest is open, and the patient is placed on a cardiopulmonary bypass machine. This machine circulates the blood around the body during the operation. The machine for pumping blood may not be used, and this is known as off-pump CABG. However, some operations do not require cutting the breastbone. This is known as a minimally invasive operation.

The transplanted vein allows blood flow to bypass the blockage. After the completion of the surgery, the chest is closed. When the patient wakes up, he will be in the recovery room. Machines will display the ECG tracing, blood pressure, and other figures.

The hospitalization is between 4 and 7 days. The recovery rate after surgery will depend on the patients health and how well he went through the surgery. The advantage of minimally invasive surgery is that the patient recovers much quicker, points out Vladimir Stefanov.

Long-term Outlook After Heart Bypass Surgery

The full recovery after the procedure usually takes a few months. At first, the patient may feel bad but this is normal and is due to a surgical injury. The condition of the patient depends on the general health, the outcome of the procedure, and other factors. Over time, however, there is a risk that other arteries or even a new graft will be formed, requiring another surgery. To reduce this risk, the patient should follow all the doctor's prescriptions.

Long-term outcomes will largely depend on whether the patient takes medicines. Vladimir Stefanow points out that it is vital to lead a healthy lifestyle since this is one of the determining factors.

Vladimir Stefanov about the Risks Factors of Heart Bypass Surgery

Coronary bypass surgery has been performed for over 30 years, therefore surgeons have received extensive training in this field. As with any surgery, the patient's health is a very important factor in determining the risks. Health conditions to consider before surgery include the following:

- Age. Patients over 70 have a higher risk of complications;

- Previous heart surgery;

- Other serious medical conditions.

Although complications are quite rare, the risk is part of any surgical procedure. If the patient has any diseases, the doctor should talk about possible outcomes before the operation. They need to discuss the family history of the disease and the medications that the patient takes. Possible risks include bleeding, side effects of anesthesia, and others. Vladimir Stefanov emphasizes that follow-up care is a key part of the treatment and safety. The patient should go to all appointments and call the doctor or nurse in case of any problem.