Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in India

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in India

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, commonly spoken as cabbage) (or coronary bypass surgery or heart bypass surgery) is a type of heart surgery that is used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD). It happens if plaque accumulates in the arteries that befit the heart muscle, known as coronary arteries. This buildup can cause arteries to become narrower and restrict blood flow and oxygen to the heart.

CABG is a routinely used treatment strategy in patients with significant CAD who are deemed to be unsuitable for medical therapy or PCI, in India. With world-class cardiac care facilities and experienced cardiac surgeons, India is among the prominent countries that offer medical tourism for CABG.

Types of CABG in India

In India, the CABG majorly performed can be of two types:

Awake CABG: The traditional old style surgical method creates an incision in the chest and stop the heart with a heart-lung machine. Blocked coronary arteries are bypassed and blood is allowed back in — grafts are sewn onto them.

Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (MICAS): MICAS is a newer approach than traditional open heart surgery and uses less invasive surgery and smaller incisions. This is for patients with well-preserved ejection fraction, milder CAD, and reduced surgical risk.

Cost of CABG in India

CABG cost in India depends on type of surgery and the other factors which are hospital and which type of surgeon experience. But it is typically much lower than in the West. Thus, India becomes an immense option for patients looking for a pocket-friendly option that renders high-quality help in the field of the heart.

Recovery after CABG

After CABG recovery can take weeks. Post operatively they will only be in the hospital for a few days and then may go to cardiac rehab to regain their strength and cardiac function.

Risks of CABG

As with any major surgery, CABG does have some associated risks. Among them are:

Bleeding

Infection  

Heart attack  

Stroke

Kidney failure

Nerve damage

That said, its risks are relatively low, and for patients with severe CAD, the benefits of CABG usually outweigh the risks.

Conclusion

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a well-established procedure for the management coronary artery disease. India provides high standards of cardiac care at lower prices making it a favourable destination for patients who want to have a CABG surgery.

If CABG is on the horizon for you, talk with a cardiologist who can explain your options and whether you’d be a good candidate for the surgery.