Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Information box: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is established cardiac surgery that restores blood flow to the heart muscle by creating a new route (graft) beyond a blocked segment. Goals are to reduce chest pain, improve exercise capacity and, in advanced coronary disease, improve survival and quality of life.

What is coronary bypass surgery?

Coronary bypass overcomes narrowing or occlusion of the arteries that supply the heart. Atherosclerotic plaque reduces the lumen; the myocardium receives insufficient oxygen. A graft carries blood distal to the obstruction, easing angina and protecting the myocardium.

Symptoms

Chest pressure / angina
Exertional dyspnoea
Fatigue
Myocardial infarction in emergency settings

Graft sources

Internal mammary artery (IMA)
Saphenous vein (leg)
Radial artery (arm)

Technical options

Classic on-pump
Off-pump (beating heart)
Minimally invasive in selected cases

Who is it recommended for?

Multi-vessel disease
Critical left main stenosis
Diffuse coronary lesions with diabetes
Restenosis after stent or recurrent ischaemia
Severe obstruction after acute coronary syndrome

Benefits and risks

Strong evidence supports long-term graft patency and symptom control. As with any surgery, bleeding, wound infection, arrhythmia, transient renal change and neurological complications are discussed; experienced centres and multidisciplinary teams minimise these risks.

Stent or bypass? The decision is made jointly by cardiology and cardiac surgery based on vessel count, lesion anatomy, ventricular function, diabetes and comorbidities. In multi-vessel or left main disease, bypass often has favourable long-term outcomes.

Recovery and follow-up

Hospital stay is typically 5–7 days; early mobilisation, respiratory physiotherapy and cardiac rehabilitation are advised. Risk factor control (smoking, lipids, glycaemia, blood pressure) is critical for graft longevity.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) restores blood flow when coronary arteries are blocked, using grafts. Informative guide: symptoms, graft choice, off-pump and minimally invasive options, recovery, and stent versus bypass decisions.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Small-incision (minimally invasive) cardiac surgery avoids full sternotomy for mitral/aortic valve work, selected bypass and some congenital procedures, aiming for less pain and faster discharge. Eligibility, advantages and FAQ.

Valve Repair and Replacement

Mitral, aortic and other valves with stenosis or regurgitation: repair preserves the native valve when possible; otherwise mechanical or bioprosthetic replacement. Minimally invasive options and recovery summary.

Varicose Vein Treatments

Varicose veins: EVLA, radiofrequency, sclerotherapy and surgery when needed; symptoms, supportive measures and long-term follow-up — informative overview.

Aortic Aneurysm, Dissection and Arrhythmias

Aortic aneurysm and dissection: open surgery and endovascular (stent-graft) approaches. Arrhythmias: drugs, ablation and device therapy — emphasis on early diagnosis and follow-up.

Cardiac Tumor Treatment

Intracardiac mass symptoms, diagnosis with echocardiography and advanced imaging, surgical excision, follow-up and multidisciplinary care for malignant lesions — overview.