Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, a heart attack. In CABG, a surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the chest or leg, and uses it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery. This creates a new path for blood to flow to the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart attack and improving symptoms. CABG may be recommended for patients with significant blockages in multiple coronary arteries or for those with diabetes, a weakened heart muscle, or previous bypass grafts that have failed. The procedure can be performed using either open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgery. As with any surgery, there are risks associated with CABG, including bleeding, infection, stroke, and heart attack. However, for eligible patients, CABG is a highly effective treatment option for CAD, with a low risk of complications and a high success rate in improving symptoms and quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with CAD, talk to your healthcare provider about whether CABG may be an appropriate treatment option for you.