Coronary Bypass Surgery (Improve Blood Flow to Your Heart)

· Those in Mexicali, Mexico for a week or more.
· Those with blocked arteries to the heart.
· Those who have severe chest pain caused by narrowing of arteries that supply to the heart muscle.
· Those who have severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery, which supply most of the blood to the left ventricle.
· Those who have had a previous angioplasty that has not been successful.

This type of surgery may be recommended to you if you have blockage in the coronary artery, leading to poor blood supply. Coronary bypass surgery can improve blood flow to the heart muscle by taking a healthy blood vessel from your body to replace the blocked artery. Coronary bypass surgery does not cure the heart disease that caused the blockages, but it can alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. In some cases, the surgery may reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.

If you have high cholesterol, obesity, high stress or are smoking, this can lead to the narrowing of veins and arteries. When the arteries are blocked, the heart can no longer pump sufficient blood supply to the body. This will cause:
· Nausea
· Dizziness
· Chest pain
· Shortness of breath
· Weakness, and others

This procedure requires you to stay at the hospital for 3 days and 2 nights. On the first day, Pre-Op testing such as blood work, EKG, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and urinalysis will be done before consultation will take place. Your status will be evaluated and surgery will be performed on the next day. This surgery requires getting an artery at another part in your body e.g wrist or ankle to replace the blocked artery in your heart. Once the procedure is done, Post-Op consultation will be done on the next day.

1. General anesthesia will be administered.
2. An incision will be made in the middle of the chest.
3. The breastbone will be cut with a mechanical instrument to get to the heart.
4. Another artery from a different body part, common parts being the wrist, ankle, or the chest will be taken through a small incision to replace the blocked artery.
5. Incision will be closed.
6. End of procedure.

Day 1 - Arrival in airport or designated location. Transportation to hospital is provided by our affiliated hospital. Pre-Op testing will be done which includes blood work, EKG, Chest X-ray, Electrocardiogram and urinalysis. The consultation will take place after all Pre-Op tests are performed. You will spend the night in hospital to prepare for surgery.

Day 2 - Surgery day and recovery in hospital.

Day 3 - Post-Op consultation will be done. You can go back home or to the hotel. Transportation back to airport is provided if necessary.

<Advantages>
· Relieves chest pain and shortness of breath
· May improve heart function
· Safe procedure
· May increase survival rates for patients with advanced stages of coronary artery disease based on a clinical trial

<Limitations>
· Risks associated with surgery

· Infection
· Bleeding
· Heart rhythm irregularities
· Kidney problems
· Heart attack, if a blood clot breaks loose soon after surgery
· Stroke

· Tell the doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
· Stop smoking and taking unhealthy diets.
· List all allergies, including to local or general anesthesia.
· If you have worries about the major operation and your risks, please consult with the surgeon and nurses.
· Please prepare a driver or have someone with you throughout your stay since it may take 4 to 6 weeks before you can start driving again.

· Take medications as prescribed
· Clean the incision site with soap and water daily
· Please follow a healthy and balanced diet, and avoid spicy foods and fats as much as possible
· Please take plenty of rest. Continue any kind of physical activity when the doctor has indicated that it is okay to do so
· Do not bend over or lift objects over 10 pounds
· Do quit smoking
· Do not push or pull any objects
· Do not drive for 4 to 6 weeks
· Keep your emotions in check and stay away out of stressful situations as much as possible

Q1: How many days should I stay in Mexicali?
A1: Usually, patients would have to stay for 5 to 6 days, but this also depends on your recovery. The doctor can give an estimation of how long you should stay.

Q2: Can I bring a person who could stay in the hospital with me?
A2: Yes, a person is allowed to stay with you in your room at our affiliated hospital.

Q3: How many days before the surgery should I stop smoking?
A3: You can stop about 2 to 4 weeks before, but be reminded that doctors recommend to stop smoking permanently. Smoking increases the probability of patients getting a heart attack for up to 50 percent. It also slows down the healing process.

Q4: Is the doctor and hospital certified?
A4: Yes, our affiliated doctor and hospital are certified. You can also ask the case manager for more information.

Q5: When should I contact the doctor after the procedure?
A5: If you have fever, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, excess pain, chest pain, and opening of the incision, contact your doctor immediately.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)