Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the narrowing of the coronary arteries caused by a buildup of fatty material within their walls and limiting the supply of blood to the heart muscle. One way to treat the CAD is to bypass the blocked portion of the coronary artery with a piece of a healthy blood vessel. One end of the graft is attached above the blockage and the other end is attached below the blockage. Traditionally, the CABG is performed with open surgery: the sternum is cut in half and spread apart, the heart is exposed, and the patient is put on a cardiopulmonary bypass machine to pump blood while the heart is stopped and kept still in order for the surgeon to perform the bypass operation. The procedure requires hospitalization and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. While the traditional "open heart" procedure is still performed and often preferred in many situations, newer, less-invasive techniques have been developed to bypass blocked coronary arteries in other cases.
Why UAB
For comprehensive care and surgical expertise as well as ground-breaking research, UAB is the region's most advanced health-care facility for treating cardiovascular and thoracic disorders. Our high standard of care is available for any cardiovascular and cardiothoracic illness or condition. We are a national leader in cardiothoracic surgery with a long history of excellence and perform thousands of open-heart procedures each year.
UAB provides you with round-the-clock access to some of the world’s best, most-respected surgeons. UAB’s cardiothoracic surgeons include respected pioneers in their fields, as well as leading researchers and innovators in essentially all areas of cardiothoracic medicine. Here, some of the world's most sought-after and experienced surgeons operate in state-of-the-art facilities, backed by nationally recognized nursing care.
Beyond the technology and experience is a staff committed to healing and fully recognizing each patient's unique needs. We offer a one-to-one nurse-patient ratio for cardiac transplantation patients. For all other cardiac ICU patients, a one-to-one or one-to-two nurse-patient ratio is maintained as needed.
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CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
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Celebrating Easter Safely During COVID-19
As Easter approaches, celebrating the holiday during a pandemic may seem more optimistic than last year, but community members should remain diligent in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Here are a few tips for celebrating Easter more safely this year:
Get Vaccinated
Consult with your primary care physician for any concerns you have about the vaccine. The vaccines approved for use in the United States are intended to train the body to successfully fight the virus and minimize symptoms. There is still a possibility of contracting COVID-19 or infecting others even after vaccination.
UAB Medicine currently offers four vaccination sites across central Alabama. For more information appointment requests and eligibility, visit our COVID-19 vaccination website.
Wear a mask
Wear a mask securely over your nose and mouth, and make sure it fits snugly along the sides of your face. Mandates and guidelines for masking may vary by location, although the CDC still recommends wearing a mask in public indoor spaces and around those outside your household. There’s a health bonus, too: masking has been shown to reduce those pesky springtime allergies caused by various pollens in the air, according to a recent study.
Celebrate Virtually
If your place of worship offers an online or streaming service, consider tuning in to reduce the amount of in-person contact. Reach out to family, friends, or members of your congregation to see if there is a way to help them celebrate virtually. Instead of a traditional Easter egg hunt, coordinate with neighbors to place large, bright-colored paper eggs in their windows for neighbors to “hunt” while on a family walk.
Socially Distance
If you still plan to hold or attend an in-person gathering, be sure there is ample space to spread out. Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces and buffet-style dining with shared serving utensils. Consider enjoying your Easter meal, or other activities and crafts, outside.
Wash Your Hands
Continue good hand hygiene before, during, and after meals and events. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, backpack, or car for times when soap and water is not easily accessible.
Monitor Symptoms
If you or someone in your household is experiencing symptoms, or has recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, cancel plans to gather with others and seek medical attention as necessary.
With the rollout of vaccine distribution across the United States, it is tempting to rush toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Continue taking precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
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