Heart bypass surgery

Description:
The heart muscle (myocardium) works constantly and requires oxygen-rich blood, delivered through small arteries (called the coronary arteries). When fats and cholesterols accumulate inside the small coronary arteries ( atherosclerosis ), there is less room for blood to flow. When the heart muscle cannot receive adequate blood supply through the arteries, heart pain ( angina ) or heart attack ( myocardial infarction ) occurs. Coronary bypass surgery is used to

Indications:
Coronary artery bypass is recommended when one or more coronary arteries are seriously blocked and blood supply to the heart muscle is insufficient. Several tests will be done to identify the cause of the chest pain ( angina ), such as blood tests and X-ray studies (angiograms).

What to Expect After:
Every year a half million Americans have coronary bypass surgery to relieve symptoms and prolong their lives.

Convalescence:
After the operation, the patient will spend 7 to 10 days in the hospital, the first 2 or 3 days in an intensive-care unit (ICU). Heart functions will be monitored. The full benefits from the operation may not be ascertained until 3 to 6 months after surgery. Sexual activities may be resumed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. All activities that do not cause fatigue are permitted, and the patient is kept from attempting too much too soon.

Risks:
Risks for any anesthesia are:

Risks for any surgery are:

Additional risks of coronary artery bypass surgery include:



Cost:
The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment.

Surgery charges can be separated into five parts: 1) the surgeon's fee, 2) the anesthesiologist's fee, 3) the hospital charges, which includes nursing care and the operating room, 4) the medications, and 5) additional charges.

1. Surgeon's fee: approximately $3,500 to $5,000
2. Anesthesiologist's fee: averages $350 to $400 per hour
3. Hospital charges: basic rate averages $1,500 to $1,800 per day (more for the intensive care unit (ICU) or private rooms)
4. Medication charges: $200 to $400
5. Additional charges: assisting surgeon, treatment of complications, diagnostic procedures (such as blood or X-ray exams), medical supplies, or equipment use.

Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance