This article discusses quintuple bypass surgery, why it’s done, and what happens during the procedure.
It also talks about recovery time and long-term outlook.
What Is Quintuple Bypass Surgery?
Catherine Song / Verywell
Quintuple bypass surgery is a surgical procedure done to treat blockedcoronary arteries.
The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that provide the heart muscle with its own blood supply.
In some people, the coronary arteries become blocked, a condition known ascoronary artery disease.
When you need a quintuple bypass, it means you have five blocked arteries.
Quintuple bypass surgery is usually anopen proceduredone under general anesthesia.
A surgeon makes an incision in the center of the chest and opens the ribcage to reach the arteries.
Some surgeons performminimally invasivebypass surgery.
Contraindications
Quintuple bypass surgery is not right for everyone.
How Is Life After Quintuple Bypass Surgery?
This allows time forpre-surgery testingthat helps determine:
Typically, acardiac catheterizationis performed first.
CABG surgery follows if the surgeon feels that it will be effective and is necessary for treatment.
A bypass may also be performed as an emergency procedure.
Location
Most coronary bypass surgeries take place at a hospital.
A top that zips or buttons up is ideal.
Otherwise, pack such an outfit for your return home.
You might want extras to wear while in the hospital as well.
This usually includes water.
These restrictions will help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Medications
Ask your surgeon if you should discontinue any medications prior to surgery.
In particular, avoid taking medication that affects blood clotting.
Don’t bring valuables, credit cards, or large amounts of cash with you to the hospital.
You’ll also need to sign a consent form.
The entire procedure typically takes between three and four hours, though this varies.
If you are wearing jewelry, you’ll need to remove it before changing into a hospital gown.
You will also be asked to empty your bladder.
In the operating room, you will lie on your back on a table.
You will then be placed undergeneral anesthesiaand fitted with abreathing tube.
This allows the surgeon to stop the heart and perform surgery without the constant movement of the heart beating.
The procedure starts withblood vessels being harvestedfrom other areas of the body.
Then, each harvested vessel isgrafted onto an affected heart vesselbefore and after the blockage.
This re-routes blood that is on the way to the heart, bypassing the blocked portion of the vessel.
There, you will be observed until your condition is considered stable.
You’ll receive medication to help manage your pain.
You’ll be released from the hospital when your surgeon says you’re ready.
Healing
Quintuple bypass recovery can be difficult.
In the few weeks after surgery, you may feel fatigued and experience pain at the surgical sites.
Rest and use recommended pain relievers as needed.
You won’t be able to resume normal activities, including driving, for four to six weeks.
Your healthcare provider will let you know when it’s OK to get back to your normal routine.
It is a supervised program that combines physical therapy with mental health services and healthy living education.
The goal of the program is to help strengthen your heart and improve your physical and mental health.
Most people complete the program in around 12 to 18 weeks.
During cardiac rehabilitation, you’ll work with your healthcare provider, physical therapists, counselors, and nutritionists.
If you need help quitting smoking, cardiac rehabilitation can help with that as well.
While you need lots of rest, avoid isolating yourself from friends and family.
Long-Term Care
Coronary bypass is one of the most common surgeries.
The overall success rate is around 98%.
After recovery, the outlook for heart bypass patients is good.
Most people who have fully recovered from bypass surgery report improved physical and mental quality of life.
How Long Can You Live After a Quintuple Bypass?
Studies into long-term outcomes after coronary bypass surgery have found that people live an estimated 18 additional years post-surgery.
Possible Future Surgeries
Some people need additional future surgeries after recovering from bypass surgery.
Long term, you will need to change your lifestyle to make it avoid additional surgeries.
after you grab recovered, you should aim for30 minutes of moderate-intensity exerciseeach day.
It is usually an open procedure requiring a hospital stay of four or five days.
Quintuple bypass surgery carries some risks, including blood clots that may lead to heart attack or stroke.
Making lifestyle and diet adjustments after you’ve recovered can help prevent future additional surgeries.
Harvard Health Publishing.Are there benefits of cardiac catheterization for stable coronary artery disease?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Coronary artery bypass grafting.
Columbia Heart Surgery.Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
2019;28(6):852-859. doi:10.1093/icvts/ivz006
