Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed for patients whose coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. It aims to improve blood flow to the heart and ease symptoms such as chest pain, and the medical team decides how suitable it is for each patient.
The surgeon takes a healthy vessel, such as the internal chest artery or a leg vein, and connects it to the coronary artery beyond the blockage, creating a new route for blood. It is done under general anesthesia, usually through an incision in the breastbone. Conventionally the heart is stopped temporarily and a heart-lung machine takes over; alternatively the heart keeps beating without the machine, and the team chooses what suits the case.
Surgery often lasts 3 to 6 hours, followed by intensive care and several days in hospital. The breastbone heals in about 6 to 8 weeks. Symptoms usually improve over weeks to months with cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes.
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It improves blood flow to the heart muscle and may ease chest pain and shortness of breath and increase exercise capacity. The treating team defines the expected benefit in each case, and it is not a final cure for arterial disease.
It is for patients with multiple blockages or blockages in critical parts of the coronary arteries, or for whom other treatments are unsuitable, based on the heart team's assessment after angiography, imaging and heart tests. Diabetes, heart function and kidney function are also considered.
Blood tests, an ECG, X-rays and artery imaging are done, and the doctor reviews your medicines and may ask you to stop some. You are advised to quit smoking, fast before the operation and arrange for a companion to help after discharge.
After general anesthesia the chest is opened, suitable vessels are harvested and then sewn to the coronary arteries. With the heart-lung machine, the machine pumps blood while the heart is temporarily stopped; in the off-pump approach, the grafts are done while the heart beats. The breastbone is then closed with wires.
The difference lies in using the machine with a temporarily stopped heart, not in the principle of the grafts themselves. The surgeon chooses the approach according to the number and location of the diseased arteries and the patient's general condition, and each approach has its own considerations.
The first days are spent in intensive care and then in a ward, with gradual walking. Chest pain and tiredness are expected in the first weeks, with heavy lifting and early driving avoided, and cardiac rehabilitation is advised. Full recovery often takes several weeks.
Symptoms often improve over weeks to months, and how long the grafts stay open depends on taking medicines, keeping a healthy lifestyle and controlling blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol. Regular follow-up with a cardiologist is essential.
Open-heart surgery is a major operation, and complications may include bleeding, wound infection, irregular heart rhythm, lung or kidney problems and stroke, with higher chances when other illnesses are present. The team discusses the risks specific to your case before you decide.
Yes, it leaves a long scar in the middle of the chest, and sometimes another on the leg or arm if a vessel was taken from there. The scar fades with time but often remains visible.
Patients usually stay in hospital for several days and then need a check-up before travel; waiting several weeks is often advised, depending on recovery. Your treating doctor confirms the safe date for your case.
