Guide To Treating And Preventing Ventricular Fibrillation

Coronary Bypass Surgery

Coronary bypass surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia, can be used to reduce the risk of ventricular fibrillation by increasing blood flow to the heart. Surgeons bypass a damaged blood vessel in the heart, rerouting blood flow with a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the patient's body. Both open surgery and newer, less invasive methods are available for this operation. Some cases may require open surgery.

Following a bypass operation, patients are taken to the intensive care unit, and most stay there for two days. During the first day in intensive care, patients may be on a ventilator that breathes for them, and they may also have a stomach tube, a urinary catheter, an arterial line, chest tubes, and intravenous lines in place. Most patients can have the majority of these tubes and lines removed on the second day, and they can also begin eating again. On the third day in the hospital, most patients are moved to a regular hospital ward and may stay there for a further two days. After discharge, recovery continues at home, and most patients will be fully recovered in six to eight weeks. Many patients choose to participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program during their recovery. In this program, patients participate in a supervised exercise program and are taught about healthy nutrition.

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