Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Singapore (CABG) is a surgical treatment used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which is defined by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, and blockages can cause major issues such as heart attacks.

During CABG, a surgeon utilizes a healthy blood vessel from another region of the body, such as the leg, arm, or chest, to form a new channel around the blocked artery. This new pathway allows blood to flow more freely to the heart muscle, hence increasing heart function and alleviating symptoms like chest discomfort and shortness of breath. In this article, I will explain this procedure in greater detail.

What Conditions Need Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a critical technique for individuals with severe coronary artery disease who have not responded well to conventional treatments such as drugs or lifestyle changes. CABG is commonly used in Singapore to treat the following conditions:

1. Severe Coronary Artery Disease

This condition develops when one or more coronary arteries become severely narrowed or blocked. Patients typically describe symptoms including angina (chest pain) and shortness of breath. In these cases, coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore is needed to ensure adequate blood supply to the heart muscle.

2. Multiple Blockages

Patients with several blocked arteries who cannot be treated effectively with angioplasty or stenting may require CABG. This is especially significant in the case of coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore, where sophisticated medical facilities are available for such complex procedures.

3. Failed Angioplasty or Stenting

Previous operations such as angioplasty or stenting may not always be effective in restoring enough blood flow. For some patients, coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore is suggested as a more permanent therapy option.

4. Left Main Coronary Artery Disease

This is a serious situation caused by a blockage in the left major coronary artery, which supplies a large percentage of the heart muscle. Because of the significant risk of heart attack associated with this disease, CABG is frequently required.

5. Heart Attacks

In an emergency case involving a heart attack, fast restoration of blood flow is critical to saving heart tissue. CABG may be used as an emergency treatment in such instances, especially if other options are deemed insufficient.

In all of these cases, coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore is evaluated based on the severity of the disease, the number of blocked arteries, and the patient’s overall condition. This method ensures that each patient receives the most appropriate and potentially lifesaving treatment.

How to Prepare for a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Preparing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) entails numerous stages to ensure that the patient is in the best possible condition for the procedure and to reduce potential dangers. Here’s a full overview of how to prepare for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.

Medical Evaluation

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Your doctor will analyze your medical history and perform a comprehensive physical examination to determine your overall health and eligibility for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.
• Diagnostic Tests: You will have numerous tests performed, including electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, and blood tests. These tests are critical for evaluating your heart’s state and determining the level of arterial blockages, which will guide the preparation for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.
• Medications: Certain drugs may need to be changed or discontinued before surgery to minimize complications. Your doctor will give you precise instructions on which medications to take or avoid as you prepare for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation is essential both before and after surgery to optimize healing and general cardiovascular health. This is especially crucial when preparing for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore, as your preoperative state can have an impact on the procedure’s success.
• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains is recommended to prepare your body for surgery. Proper diet is essential when preparing for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity, as suggested by your doctor, will enhance your cardiovascular health and general fitness. This preparation process is critical for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore to ensure they are in the greatest possible physical condition for the operation.

Pre-Operative Instructions

• Fasting: You will need to fast (no food or drink) for a set amount of time prior to the surgery, usually beginning at midnight on the day of the surgery. This is a normal technique for preparing for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.
• Hospital Admission: You will be admitted to the hospital either the day before or the morning of your procedure. Preoperative examinations and preparations will be performed upon admission for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore to ensure that everything is in order for the surgery to go well.
• Consent: You will be asked to sign a permission form, which acknowledges that you understand the procedure’s risks and advantages. This formal stage is an essential element of preparing for coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore, ensuring that you are completely educated and willing to proceed with the procedure.

By carefully following these preparation procedures, you can improve your readiness and raise the chances of a successful coronary artery bypass transplant in Singapore.

What to Expect During a Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Understanding the CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) procedure will help reduce worry and prepare you for what to expect before surgery, especially if you are having coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Anesthesia

• General Anesthesia: This will be used to keep you sleepy and pain-free throughout the surgery.
• Incision & Access: The surgeon will create an incision down the center of your chest and open the breastbone to gain access to the heart. In some circumstances, particularly as coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore advances, minimally invasive procedures with fewer incisions may be used.

Harvesting Grafts

• Graft Harvesting: The removal of a healthy blood vessel from another region of your body, such as the saphenous vein in the leg, the radial artery in the arm, or the internal mammary artery in the chest. This step is critical for establishing a bypass during coronary artery bypass grafting in Singapore.

Bypassing Blockages

• Grafting: The harvested blood vessel is then connected to the coronary artery above and below the blocked location, establishing a new route for blood flow to the heart muscle.

Complete the Procedure

• Close the incision: Once the grafts are in place, the surgeon will cover the chest incision with sutures or staples and insert drains to collect any excess fluid.

Recovery

• The Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Following surgery, you will be sent to the ICU for intensive monitoring. You will be fitted with a breathing tube, chest tubes, and a variety of monitors to track your heart rate and vital signs.
• Hospital Stay:
  The typical hospital stay following CABG is 5 to 7 days. During this time, you will receive pain relief, physical therapy, and instructions on postoperative care.

Do Clinics in Singapore Offer Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?

Yes, various excellent medical centers in Singapore provide Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Singapore is recognized for its high healthcare standards and cutting-edge medical technology. Many hospitals and specialist heart facilities are equipped to conduct CABG, giving patients access to top-tier cardiac care.

How Experts at the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre Ensure Safe Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre in Singapore is a top provider of comprehensive cardiac care, including Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Here’s how their experienced team makes sure the operation is safe and effective:

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

• Specialist Cardiologists and Surgeons: The facility has a staff of highly qualified and experienced cardiologists and cardiac surgeons who collaborate to create personalized treatment strategies for each patient.
• Collaborative Care: A multidisciplinary team, including anesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists, works together to provide comprehensive care throughout the surgery process.

Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Techniques

• Cutting-edge Technology: The center employs cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and surgical techniques to ensure accurate and effective treatment. This includes minimally invasive procedures for qualified candidates.
• Robotic Assisted Surgery: In some circumstances, robotic-assisted surgery may be available, which offers higher precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times.

Comprehensive Preoperative and Postoperative Care

• Thorough Evaluation: Patients receive complete preoperative evaluations to determine their surgical readiness and optimize their health prior to the treatment.
• Personalized Care Plans: Individualized treatment plans are created to meet each patient’s specific needs, resulting in the best potential outcomes.
• Rehab Programs: Postoperative rehabilitation treatments are intended to help patients recover, enhance physical fitness, and promote long-term heart health.

Emphasis on Patient Education and Support

• Patient Education: Patients and their family are given thorough information regarding the treatment, the recovery period, and the lifestyle modifications required for good heart health.
• Support Services: To help patients achieve long-term health gains, the clinic provides a variety of support services such as counseling, nutritional advice, and smoking cessation programs.

Conclusion

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is an important operation for treating severe coronary artery disease and increasing the quality of life for individuals who have serious cardiac issues. Understanding the significance of preparation, the surgical procedure, and after care can help patients feel more confident and educated about having CABG.

In Singapore, facilities like the Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre provide excellent care, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatment and support. Their multidisciplinary approach, innovative surgical techniques, and extensive care programs make them the best option for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

If you are suffering signs of heart disease or simply wish to assess your heart health, don’t hesitate. For a full evaluation, contact Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. Call +65 6235 5300 to make an appointment with one of our reputable cardiac experts. Make your heart health a priority today; your well-being is our top priority!

Written by: Dr Michael MacDonald MB ChB, BSc (Hons), MRCP (UK), MD (Research), FESC (Europe).  Dr MacDonald was trained in the UK and is a senior Consultant Cardiologist.