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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Health

Difference Between Bypass and Open Heart Surgery!

Bypass vs Open Heart Surgery: What's the Difference? These life-saving heart procedures aren't the same. Let's clear up the confusion.

Introduction

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Open heart surgery is any procedure where the chest is opened to access the heart. The heart may or may not be stopped during the operation.

What Is Open Heart Surgery?

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Bypass surgery is a type of open-heart surgery that creates a new route for blood to flow around blocked arteries. Often used to treat coronary artery disease.

What Is Bypass Surgery?

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Doctors recommend bypass when arteries are severely blocked. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, or risk of heart attack.

When Is Bypass Surgery Needed?

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A blood vessel is taken from the leg, arm, or chest. It's used to "bypass" the blocked artery and restore blood flow to the heart.

What Happens in a Bypass Procedure?

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No, open-heart surgery includes other procedures, too, like valve repair, heart transplants, and fixes for congenital disabilities.

Does Open Heart Always Mean Bypass?

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During both surgeries, the heart may be temporarily stopped. A heart-lung machine keeps blood and oxygen flowing. It's like a life-support system during the operation.

Heart-Lung Machine Role

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Bypass surgery recovery takes about 6–12 weeks. While other open-heart surgeries can take longer, depending on their complexity.

Recovery Time Differences

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Both surgeries carry risks like bleeding, infection, and blood clots. Patients are closely monitored in the ICU after surgery.

Risks and Monitoring

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All bypass surgeries are open-heart surgeries, but not all open-heart surgeries are bypass surgeries. Knowing the difference helps you ask more informed questions and better understand your care.

Conclusion

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