Man Recovers After Life-Saving Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Near-Total Blockages

A 60-year-old man in Chiayi has successfully recovered after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery to address severe blockages in all three of his major coronary arteries. The patient had been experiencing chest tightness for about a month, prompting his family to seek medical attention at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chiayi Branch.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Lin Po-han diagnosed the man with severe coronary artery disease after a cardiac catheterization revealed near-complete blockages in the three main coronary arteries. Following an evaluation by the cardiothoracic team, the patient underwent CABG surgery. The procedure aims to restore blood flow to the heart muscle by creating new pathways around the blocked arteries using the patient's own blood vessels. This surgery is particularly crucial for individuals with multi-vessel blockages, left main disease, or those unsuitable for stent treatment, offering better long-term outcomes and improved quality of life.

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Coronary artery bypass surgery is an important way to treat severe coronary artery blockage. It uses the patient's own blood vessels to create new blood flow channels next to the blocked coronary artery, allowing blood to re-supply the heart muscle, improving myocardial ischemia, and reducing the risk of angina and myocardial infarction.

Post-operative care is critical for recovery. Lin noted that patients may initially experience wound pain, chest tightness, throat discomfort, hoarseness, fatigue, reduced appetite, and changes in sleep patterns. Swelling in the legs where the vessels were harvested is also common. Most of these symptoms gradually improve as the body heals. Patients are advised to keep surgical wounds clean and dry and to seek immediate medical attention if signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, heat, pain, discharge, or fever, appear.

Lin stressed the importance of patient compliance with recovery protocols, including deep breathing exercises, coughing, and progressive walking to aid lung expansion and physical recovery. During the 8-12 weeks required for sternum healing, patients must avoid heavy lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects, and using hands to push up from bed. They should roll to their side when getting up and hug a pillow when coughing to protect the chest. Although bypass surgery improves heart blood flow, it does not cure atherosclerosis. Therefore, patients must continue taking prescribed medications, including antiplatelets, cholesterol-lowiders, and blood pressure medication, as directed by their doctor. A heart-healthy diet low in oil, salt, and sugar, with high fiber, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding late nights, and regular exercise are also essential. Patients must attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention include persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, sudden leg swelling and pain, dizziness, fainting, or fever above 38°C.

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For patients with multi-vessel blockages, left main disease, or those unsuitable for stent treatment, coronary artery bypass surgery can usually provide better long-term treatment effects and help patients restore their quality of life.