Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat it isPurposePreparationDay of SurgeryRecoveryLong-Term Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What it is
Purpose
Preparation
Day of Surgery
Recovery
Long-Term Care
Catherine Song / Verywell
Heart Disease
What Is Quintuple Bypass Surgery?
In some people, the coronary arteries become blocked, a condition known ascoronary artery disease. It is possible to have one or more arteries blocked in this manner, which can pose a significant risk to the heart.
Contraindications
Potential Risks of Quintuple Bypass
Purpose of Quintuple Bypass Surgery
When the coronary arteries are completely blocked, the muscle that makes up the heart is starved of oxygen.This oxygen deprivation causessignificant pain, and the resulting heart damage is referred to as aheart attackor myocardial infarction (MI).
In some cases, coronary artery disease can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and less invasive procedures, including the placement ofstents.
How Is Life After Quintuple Bypass Surgery?
How to Prepare
Typically, acardiac catheterizationis performed first. CABG surgery follows if the surgeon feels that it will be effective and is necessary for treatment.
Location
What to Wear
If you plan to wear the outfit you arrived in when you get released, choose something loose-fitting and soft. A top that zips or buttons up is ideal.
Otherwise, pack such an outfit for your return home. You might want extras to wear while in the hospital as well.
Food and Drink
Typically, you will need to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight on the night before your surgery. This usually includes water. These restrictions will help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Medications
Ask your surgeon if you should discontinue any medications prior to surgery. Make sure your surgeon knows all the medications you use, even topical medications, eye drops, dietary supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs.
In particular, avoid taking medication that affects blood clotting. This includes:
Your surgeon may also tell you to stop taking medication to treat diabetes and/or high blood pressure.
What to Bring
There are a few items that are important to have with you when you have major surgery:
You may want to pack ahead of time and have someone bring your bag to you once you’ve been moved to a standard hospital room. Don’t bring valuables, credit cards, or large amounts of cash with you to the hospital.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
The weeks before surgery give you time to optimize your health prior to the procedure. This includes:
You will also need to abstain from alcohol for at least two days prior to your procedure.
These kinds of measures can improve the final outcome after surgery and are a great opportunity to decrease therisks associated with surgery in general.
What to Expect the Day of Your Quintuple Bypass
You may be asked to shower the night before and the morning of the surgery with a special cleanser.
When you arrive at the hospital, your surgeon will explain the procedure and let you know what to expect when you wake up. You’ll also need to sign a consent form.
The entire procedure typically takes between three and four hours, though this varies.
Before Surgery
Before you are prepared for the procedure, your surgeon may orderblood testsso they know how long it takes for your blood to clot.
If you are wearing jewelry, you’ll need to remove it before changing into a hospital gown. You will also be asked to empty your bladder.
In the operating room, you will lie on your back on a table. An anesthesiologist will attachmonitoring equipmentthat will keep track of your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen.
You will then be placed undergeneral anesthesiaand fitted with abreathing tube.
During Surgery
Once the vessels needed for the grafts are secured, the chest portion of the surgery begins with asternotomy, the incision that opens the chest and divides the sternum (breastbone) in half to allow the surgeon access to the heart.
Quadruple Bypass Heart Surgery Process and Recovery
After Surgery
When the surgery is complete, you’ll be moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) or coronary intensive care unit (CICU). There, you will be observed until your condition is considered stable.
Your breathing tube will be left in place until you are in stable condition and able to breathe on your own. You will be asked to take a series of deep breaths every few hours to prevent pneumonia, a possible complication of any major surgery.
You’ll receive medication to help manage your pain.
Once you are taken to a standard hospital room, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk for increasingly long periods of time. You’ll be released from the hospital when your surgeon says you’re ready.
Quintuple Bypass Recovery
While you recover at home, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions to help prevent post-surgical complications.
Healing
You won’t be able to resume normal activities, including driving, for four to six weeks. Your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s OK to get back to your normal routine.
Make sure to notify your healthcare provider if:You have a fever of 100.4 or higherYou have nausea that won’t go away or frequent vomitingYou have an increase in pain at the incision, redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainageYou have difficulty breathingYour pulse is rapid or irregularYou have swelling or numbness in your arms and legs
Make sure to notify your healthcare provider if:
Cardiac Rehabilitation
During cardiac rehabilitation, you’ll work with your healthcare provider, physical therapists, counselors, and nutritionists. In addition to rehabilitation exercises, you’ll also learn healthy living skills, how to take your medication, and how to improve your diet and nutrition. If you need help quitting smoking, cardiac rehabilitation can help with that as well.
Coping With Recovery
Besides physical pain and difficulty performing day-to-day tasks, you may have emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, and feelings of helplessness.
While you need lots of rest, avoid isolating yourself from friends and family.
How Long Can You Live After a Quintuple Bypass?
Possible Future Surgeries
Lifestyle Adjustments
This includes:
Summary
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.
MedlinePlus.Heart attack.
Harvard Health Publishing.Are there benefits of cardiac catheterization for stable coronary artery disease?
Servey JT, Stephens M.Cardiac rehabilitation: Improving function and reducing risk.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(1):37–43.
Perrotti A, Ecarnot F, Monaco F,et al.Quality of life 10 years after cardiac surgery in adults: a long-term follow-up study.Health Qual Life Outcomes.2019;17(1):1-9. doi:10.1186/s12955-019-1160-7
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