Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsWhy It’s DoneSurgery TechniquesContraindicationsRisksHow to PrepareDay of SurgeryRecoveryLong-Term CareFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Triple Bypass Surgery GuidePurpose of Triple Bypass Surgery
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Why It’s Done
Surgery Techniques
Contraindications
Risks
How to Prepare
Day of Surgery
Recovery
Long-Term Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Triple Bypass Surgery Guide
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What Is Triple Bypass Surgery?
The blood vessels that are used for the graft can be taken from:
Your surgeon will determine which vessels to use.
The chest is opened so the vessels can be placed into the appropriate areas of the heart. At the end of the procedure, the chest is closed using sutures and metal wires.
Purpose of Triple Bypass
While the purpose of a triple CABG is to improve blood flow in the heart, benefits include:
The surgery can be performed “on-pump” or “off-pump.” On-pump surgery refers to the use of a heart-lung machine that circulates blood and breathes for the body throughout the surgery.
The machine allows healthcare providers to stop the heart during the procedure. If a pump is used, the heart is restarted after surgery using controlled electrical shocks.
The second technique used is off-pump surgery, also called “beating heart surgery.” It is done while the heart is still beating but does not use the heart-lung machine. This surgery requires more technical precision because of the heart movement, it’s but the preferred approach in some situations.
Off-pump surgery can be done with an open chest technique that cuts the breastbone or sometimes with smaller incisions along the ribs.
A survey showed that in 2019, approximately 15.8% of CABG procedures were performed using off-pump, while the remainder were done on pump.
Hybrid Approach
The procedure involves a small midsternal incision and usually results in a shorter hospitalization and recovery time, as well as a reduced risk of associated complications.
There are criteria for this procedure.
These include:
While the aforementioned are potential contraindications to having surgery, it is important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider and/or surgeon.
Potential Risks of Triple Bypass
There are numerous factors that can increase the risk of complications after the surgery. These include:
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your healthcare provider.
Preparing for surgery is never easy. It can be a scary and uncertain time for the patient and their families.
Before your surgery, a preoperative nurse will go over your scheduled arrival time and any last-minute instructions.
What to Expect the Day of Surgery
You should prepare to stay in the hospital for approximately seven days after your surgery. It is helpful to have someone at the hospital for support during some of this time.
After you check in, you will go to a preoperative area where you will be instructed to change into a hospital gown.
You will meet with a member of the anesthesia team and surgical team to go over the procedure and sign consent forms. You may be asked to provide a urine specimen.
Intravenous (IV) access is started in the pre-operative area. This will be used for anesthesia, antibiotics, and blood products.
How Long Does It Take to Perform Triple Bypass Surgery?
Surgery
You will be taken to the operating room and your general anesthesia will be started. During this time, a breathing tube is inserted into your mouth and lungs to allow you to breathe safely during the procedure. The tube is connected to a ventilator that helps control your breathing.
Throughout the procedure, the anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing. They also are responsible for providing medication throughout the procedure.
Steps of the procedure:
After your surgery, you should expect to spend a minimum of one to two days in theintensive care unit.
What to Expect During Triple Bypass Surgery
Your recovery will begin at the hospital. Most people are able to go home about three to five days after leaving the intensive care unit.
Recovery time varies based on factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, overall health, adherence to guidance from your healthcare team, and any complications.
The recovery process will include:
Walking increases circulation throughout the body and to the heart muscle and is one of the best exercises to do after heart surgery. It’s important to go at your own pace and to get an individualized plan for exercise from your healthcare provider.
These include:
Learn MoreCardiac Rehab Phases 1-4
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
iData Research.Cardiac surgery market analysis, size, trends | United States | 2020-2026 | COVID19 | MedSuite.
University of Maryland Medical Center.Hybrid coronary intervention.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.What to expect after heart surgery.
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