Understanding Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery in Indian Health Insurance

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery?  

CABG surgery involves creating new pathways (grafts) for blood to flow around blocked or partially blocked coronary arteries. These grafts bypass the narrowed or blocked sections, improving blood supply to the heart.

Different Types of CABG Surgery:  

1. Single Bypass: One blocked artery is bypassed.
2. Double Bypass: Two blocked arteries are bypassed.
3. Triple Bypass: Three blocked arteries are bypassed.
4. Quadruple Bypass: Four blocked arteries are bypassed.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):  

• Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) in the coronary arteries.
• Coronary Artery Spasm: Sudden narrowing of arteries due to muscle contractions.
• Genetic Factors: Family history of heart disease.
• High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Smoking.

Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease:  

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis and Treatment Options:  

• Angiography: Imaging to visualize coronary arteries.
• Medications: To manage symptoms and prevent further blockage.
• CABG Surgery: To create new blood pathways.
• Minimally Invasive CABG (MICAS): A newer technique with smaller incisions and faster recovery.

Procedure Involved In Simple Steps:

1. Anesthesia: You’ll be given medication to make you sleep deeply during the surgery. This ensures you don’t feel any pain.
2. Incision: The surgeon will make a cut (incision) in the chest to access the heart. Sometimes, they make an incision in the leg to harvest a vein graft if needed.
3. Harvesting Veins: If a vein graft is needed, the surgeon will take a healthy vein from another part of your body, usually the leg. This vein will be used to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery.
4. Preparing the Vein: The harvested vein is prepared by removing any fatty deposits and valves so that it can be used to reroute blood around the blockage.
5. Bypassing the Blockage: The surgeon will then create a new pathway for blood flow by attaching one end of the harvested vein (or an artery from the chest wall) to the aorta (the main artery leaving the heart) and the other end to a point beyond the blockage in the coronary artery.
6. Closing Incisions: Once the bypass grafts are in place and blood flow is restored, the surgeon will close the chest incision using sutures or staples. If an incision was made in the leg, it will also be closed.
7. Recovery: After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where medical staff will closely monitor your vital signs as you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll then be moved to a hospital room for further recovery and monitoring.
8. Post-operative Care: You’ll receive medications to manage pain and prevent infection. You’ll also be encouraged to gradually increase your activity level under the guidance of medical staff.
9. Rehabilitation: Once you’re stable, you’ll start cardiac rehabilitation, which includes exercises and lifestyle changes to help you recover and prevent future heart problems.

Health Insurance Benefits for CABG Surgery in India:  

• Coverage: Most health insurance plans cover CABG surgery costs.
• Financial Support: Critical illness insurance provides financial support during treatment.
• Reduced Hospitalization: Minimally invasive techniques lead to shorter hospital stays4.

Average Costs in India (Approximate):  

Table

Procedure	Average Cost (INR)
Single Bypass	2-3 Lakhs
Double Bypass	4-5 Lakhs
Triple Bypass	6-7 Lakhs
Quadruple Bypass	8-9 Lakhs

Never-Seen Facts & Figures:  

• The heart can beat over 100,000 times a day.
• CABG surgery has been performed since the 1960s.
• India performs over 100,000 heart surgeries annually.

Sources of Data:  

• Reliable government health associations.
• Medical research studies.
• Mayoclinic