Bypass surgery is a procedure performed to allow access to blocked or damaged blood vessels in the heart. The main goal of this surgery is to improve the heart's blood supply as well as to improve the transport and delivery of oxygen and important nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. Like other surgeries, heart bypass surgery can have complications.
Cardiac Arrest
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, happens when a portion of the heart muscle dies out or becomes ischemic due to reduced blood supply. A sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death within minutes unless treated.
Post-Pericardiotomy Syndrome
Patients who undergo bypass surgery are at risk for post-pericardiotomy syndrome. According to Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, patients with this complication may experience a low-grade fever and chest pain, which can last up to six months after heart bypass surgery.
Heart Rhythm Problems
A heart rhythm problem, also know as arrhythmia, is a change in the regular heart beat. The heart may beat too fast, too slow, beat irregularly and in some cases skip a beat. Arrhythmia is among the possible complications of post bypass surgery, since there is a chance the bypass will be unsuccessful in bypassing the blockage and damage. On rare occasions, according to MedlinePlus, even the graft itself gets blocked, causing cardiac irregularities.
Chest Wound Infection
Minor complications such as wound infections, bruising and pain on the incision site may arise after a heart bypass surgery. According to MedlinePlus, it is more likely for obese and diabetic patients to experience such complications. Separation of the wound edges may also occur. In order to decrease risk for infection, a sterile dressing together with sterile bandages and an antibacterial ointment is applied over the incision site.
Memory Loss
As reported by MedlinePlus, memory loss, unusual forgetfulness and loss of mental clarity may be among the complications after heart bypass surgery. Memory loss lasts temporarily and is believed to be caused by a collection of external contributing factors such as age, Alzheimer's disease and strokes.
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