Heart Bypass Surgery, is a type of surgery that reroutes, or "bypasses," blood around clogged arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen to the heart. During the surgery, a blood vessel is removed or redirected from one area of the body and placed around the area or areas of narrowing to bypass the blockages and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart bypass surgery, also called coronary bypass surgery graft (CABG) is performed when coronary artery disease is diagnosed. Bypass surgery will treat clogged arteries, but it will not cure coronary artery disease. Bypass surgery may be an option if the following conditions are present:

• Debilitating chest pain - caused by narrowing of several of the arteries that supply your heart muscle, leaving the muscle short of blood during light exercise or at rest. Sometimes non-surgical options such as angioplasty and stent placement will bring relief in this situation, but for some bypass is the best option.
• Diseased coronary artery - You have more than one diseased coronary artery and the heart's main pump - the left ventricle - is functioning poorly.
• Blocked main coronary artery - If this artery that feeds blood to the left ventricle is blocked or narrowed.
• Previous angioplasty - If you've had an unsuccessful angioplasty or stent replacement or you have an artery blockage for which angioplasty isn't appropriate.

Medications are routine after heart surgery to lower your blood cholesterol, reduce the risk of developing a blood clot and help your heart function as well as possible.

Treatment of coronary artery disease depends on many things such as the severity and extent of the disease, patient symptoms, and overall heart function. In some patients, alternative treatment of coronary artery disease includes medical therapy with specific medication or non-surgical treatment such as:

• Balloon angioplasty
• Laser angioplasty
• Stents
• Atherectomy (plaque removal)

Your doctor will help decide which treatment is best for you.

Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:

• Completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines prior to surgery. You may be requested to drink clear liquids only for one or several days prior to surgery.
• Stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the operation except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
• Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

Outcomes of surgery are quite good and you're likely to experience relief and be symptom-free for many years. Bypass surgery does improve blood supply to the heart but it doesn't cure coronary artery disease. You may be advised to undergo another bypass surgery or angioplasty in the future. Your own personal outcome depends on your ability to live a healthy lifestyle and adhere to your medication regimen. Your doctor will advise you to do the following:

• Stop Smoking
• Reduce cholesterol levels
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control blood pressure
• Manage diabetes
• Exercise
• Eat a healthy diet

A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Heart Bypass Surgery, includes costs for:

• Single to six or more coronary venous grafts
• Bypass with a single or up to six or more venous grafts
• and Bypass with a single or up to four or more arterial grafts.