Over time your arteries can become clogged because of the buildup of fatty plaque requiring you to have coronary artery bypass surgery that is the most common kind of heart surgery.  Bypass surgery is when a section of vein from the leg or arteries from chest or another part of body is sewn into place where the disease coronary artery is, improving the blood flow to the heart through
this new route. 

The breastbone is separated during bypass surgery, the heart is stopped, and blood is sent through a heart-lung machine.  The chambers of your heart are not opened during the operation.

In most cases you are able to schedule your surgery at a time that is convenient for you unless it’s an emergency or a life and death situation.  You will need to be sure to tell your surgeon if you’ve had any changes in your health since you’ve last seen him like a cold or the flu, because these can lead to infections that may affect your recovery.  So pay attention to your body, notice if you are have a fever, chills, coughing, or a runny nose. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Also, remind your heart surgeon about all of the medicines you are taking, especially over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or anything that you take that might contain aspirin. It’s always good to make a list of the medicines that you take and bring it with you to the hospital.