Heart surgery- this term strikes fear into most people’s minds. When you experience any complex cardiac issues, you feel confused about treatment options. If you have multiple blocked arteries, surgery is the only treatment option. Angioplasty and bypass surgery are common ways to treat blocked arteries. Both are life-saving procedures. However, they take different paths to reach the same goal. So, how do these surgical methods differ from each other?
Purpose of Bypass and Angioplasty
Both surgical treatments are intended to maintain smooth blood flow to your heart. If you have a narrowed or blocked coronary artery, cardiac specialists recommend bypass or angioplasty.
Your coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to your heart. They become narrow due to the plaque buildup known as atherosclerosis. When left untreated, this condition may cause a serious heart attack.
So, avoid delaying your treatments and visit Parul Sevashram Hospital, the best heart hospital in Vadodara.
Which is More Effective? Bypass Versus Angioplasty
Successful coronary bypass reduces death rates of people experiencing blood flow issues in their hearts. Moreover, if you have a problem with ventricular function, bypass surgery will provide the desired result.
During bypass surgery, your cardiac surgeons target your blood vessels from your lower leg or chest wall. The healthy blood vessel is attached to the blocked artery to maintain blood flow. So, the blood flows to your heart after bypassing the blocked part.
Angioplasty is also an advanced and effective surgical method that boosts blood flow through the coronary arteries. With stenting, angioplasty treats unstable angina, coronary artery dissection, and cardiac attack.
Angioplasty is a lifesaving treatment that restores your health after a severe heart attack.
During this procedure, the surgeon will thread the balloon-tipped catheter to the arterial blockage through the incision. When the balloon expands, it makes the narrowed artery wider. The surgeon will place a tiny metal (known as a stent) in the blocked artery to reduce the risk.
Preparing for Heart Surgeries- Bypass and Angioplasty
For both treatments, you need to undergo pre-surgery preparation. Surgeons will recommend blood tests and angiography before recommending the surgery. They will ask you to stop taking blood-thinning medicines a few days before the operation.
Comparing Recovery Period and Risks
If you have undergone angioplasty, the surgeon will recommend only an overnight stay. Most people resume their activities within a week of the surgery.
But for a bypass surgery, the recovery period is around a week.
Like any surgery, angioplasty can cause a few risks, such as
- Artery damage
- Stroke
- Allergy to contrast dye
- Cardiac attacks
- Bleeding that needs a blood transfusion
Bypass surgery also leads to a few side effects, including
- Stroke
- Issues with kidney function
- Infection
- Atrial fibrillation
Consult the best Cardiologists in Vadodara at Parul Sevashram Hospital to know how to reduce side effects.
Choosing Between Angioplasty and Bypass Surgery
To make the right decision, your heart specialist will check the severity of your coronary artery problems and other details like-
- Symptoms- shortness of breath and chest pain
- Your health and heart function
- Other medical conditions (like diabetes)
Bypass surgery is a better choice, especially if you have multiple blockages. What’s more, if your main coronary artery has become narrower, you need this surgery. However, weak and elderly candidates are not suitable for this treatment.
Angioplasty is recommended when you have a limited blockage. If lifestyle adjustments and medications do not work, the experts recommend angioplasty.
Still Unsure About the Heart Surgery? Contact Us for the Best Treatment
Both angioplasty and bypass surgery are effective treatments for blocked arteries, but the right choice depends on your specific condition. Angioplasty is ideal for limited blockages, while bypass surgery is best for more complex cases.
At Parul Sevashram Hospital, our expert cardiologists will help you choose the most suitable treatment. Don’t delay, schedule a consultation today for personalized care and the best possible heart treatment.
Dr. Jagdish T. Gohil
Dr. Mrs. Kalpana R. Sulhyan