What is the Quadruple Bypass Survival Rate?

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The cardiovascular problem is one of the leading causes of worldwide mortality. Sedentary lifestyle, inappropriate nutrition, vices, and familial history are some of the factors that may predispose one to cardiovascular problems. Treatment for heart problems could be either the conventional intake of oral drugs or the current surgical procedures. One surgical procedure that hits the spotlight when talking about heart problems is quadruple bypass surgery. What is it and what is the quadruple bypass survival rate?

Quadruple bypass surgery, also referred as coronary artery bypass surgery or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a surgical procedure of the heart that involves bypassing an atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary artery by attaching new arteries or vein from the aorta (provides oxygenated blood o the body) to the distal coronary artery (below the occlusion). The new arteries or veins are retrieved from other parts of the body like the arms, chest or feet. This procedure is done to relieve angina and reduce the mortality rate of coronary artery disease. While CABG is ongoing, the heart is stopped thus necessitating the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. However, current method in heart surgery has come up with a technique wherein CABG is done on a pumping heart.

On May 2, 1960, the first coronary artery bypass surgery was performed in the United States at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx Municipal Hospital Center). The team was lead by Dr. Robert Goetz and Dr. Michael Rohman (a thoracic surgeon). The internal mammary artery was used as the graft and was anastomosed to the right artery.

In the United States, an estimate of about 50,000 coronary artery bypass graft is being done annually. The survival rate of quadruple bypass surgery is very good and has proved to lengthen the life of those who went under it. Studies have shown that the survival rate of this type of surgery is about 82% whereas the survival rate of non-surgical management for cardiovascular problems is 78%.

It is difficult to determine an exact value for life expectancy for those who undergo quadruple bypass surgery since there are numerous factors that need to be considered such as the health of the person prior to the surgery, his/her capability to recover, immunity, age, and the like. Some suggest that 10-15 years is the average life expectancy, but many patients go on to lead a full and long life. Generally, after surgery, one should quit smoking and alcohol intake, exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet so that no new plaque would develop on the new and other coronary arteries.

After the surgery, strict adherence to the orders of the doctor is encouraged. The patient would generally stay under intensive care for about 2 days and another 5 days in a nursing unit so to monitor any problems and delayed reactions from the procedure. The patient can be fully functional in about two months after discharge from the health care facility.