Coronary artery bypass, which is also called coronary artery bypass graft, is a surgical procedure in which a patient's healthy vein or artery is used to replace a hardened or clogged artery within the heart. Replacement of the blocked or clogged artery allows for restoration of normal blood flow to the heart. Patients should discuss potential coronary artery bypass complications with their cardiologist before undergoing this surgical procedure.
Infection
Coronary artery bypass can increase a patient's risk of developing infection complications within the chest or at the site of vein harvesting, such as the arm or leg, warn medical professionals with UpToDate. Infection complications are typically mild and can be resolved with antibiotic medication.
Excessive Bleeding
Health professionals with UpToDate report that an estimated 30 percent of patients require a blood transfusion following coronary artery bypass due to excessive blood loss. The use of certain medications, such as aspirin, during the week before surgery may increase the risk of bleeding complications in patients; however, patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding what medication to take before having a coronary artery bypass.
Heart Problems
Approximately 7 percent of patients who undergo coronary artery bypass have a heart attack during the first month following this procedure, explain medical professionals with National Health Services. Additional heart-related complications can include heartbeat abnormalities or inflammation of the pericardium, the small sac that encompasses the heart muscle. Patients who develop heart rate changes or chest discomfort following coronary artery bypass should seek medical care immediately to ensure receipt of appropriate care and treatment.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is a complication that occurs when fluid accumulates within the pleura, the thin membrane that protects the lungs. This common coronary artery bypass complication affects approximately 90 percent of patients, explains UpToDate. Typically, these collections of lung fluid are small and resolve without additional treatment.
Cognitive Decline
The interruption of blood flow through the body that occurs during coronary artery bypass can lead to cognitive complications in patients. Over 5 percent of patients experience some type of brain-related problem, including coma, brain damage, memory loss, intellectual decline or stroke. Memory and intellectual complications typically resolve progressively as the patient's body heals from surgery.
Nerve Damage
During this surgical procedure, a surgeon can accidentally damage the nerves that run along a patient's diaphragm or abdomen. Though such damage is rare, affected patients can develop symptoms that include burning, pain, numbness or tenderness within the chest, explains UpToDate. These uncomfortable sensations typically resolve within four months following coronary artery bypass.
Kidney Failure
The NHS estimates that nearly 10 percent of patients experience kidney failure as a complication of coronary artery bypass. Kidney or renal failure is typically temporary, though approximately 20 percent of affected patients experience permanent loss of kidney function requiring dialysis treatment.
