Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
What is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)?
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), also called coronary artery bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure that is used to restore blood flow to the heart when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked. The surgery uses a blood vessel from another part of the body to create a new pathway around the blocked artery, helping oxygen-rich blood reach the heart.
Why is CABG Important?
CABG is important because blocked coronary arteries pose a serious risk to the heart, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attacks, and heart failure. By restoring the blood flow, CABG can relieve the symptoms, improve heart function, and lower the risk of severe cardiac conditions.
Conditions That May Require CABG:
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Severe atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
Multiple blocked coronary arteries
Significant chest pain (angina)
Heart attack complications
Patients with diabetes or severe multivessel heart disease may especially benefit from CABG.
Types of CABGS:
Traditional CABG: Open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine
Off-pump CABG: Surgery performed without the machine, heart is still beating
Minimally invasive CABG: Small incisions between the ribs, faster recovery times
Robot-Assisted CABG: Uses robotic system to make small incisions
Risks of CABG:
Bleeding
Sternal wound infections
Atrial fibrillation
Heart attacks/strokes
Blood clots
Graft failure
Even though the risks of CABG are low, complications can be serious and factors like advanced age and diabetes can increase the risk.
CABG is a lifesaving procedure for patients with blocked coronary arteries caused by different cardiovascular conditions. CABG restores the blood flow to the heart and reduces the risk of future heart complications by bypassing blocked arteries. Even though CABG can greatly improve long-term heart health, CABG could only be effective for some patients.
