Medically Reviewed by Dr.Ranajit Beeranna Naik,Cardio Vascular Thoracic
Written by KLE Editorial Contributors
CABG, or Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, is a cardiac surgery designed to improve blood flow to the heart.It is one of the most common and effective treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.By creating new pathways for blood to flow around the blocked arteries, CABG helps reduce chest pain (angina), improve physical function, and prevent heart attacks. Understanding the CABG procedure, its indications, possible complications, and aftercare is crucial for patients and their families.
CABG is a bypass surgery that involves grafting a healthy blood vessel, usually from the leg (saphenous vein), arm (radial artery) or chest (internal mammary artery), to bypass the blocked coronary artery. This graft restores adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.
Patients undergoing CABG often suffer from multiple blockages in the coronary arteries that cannot be treated with medication or angioplasty alone. The surgery offers relief from symptoms and enhances long-term heart health.
The CABG indications include:
Doctors recommend CABG when lifestyle changes, medications, and less invasive treatments don’t sufficiently control symptoms or reduce cardiac risks.
Yes, CABG is considered open-heart surgery. During the procedure, the chest is opened to access the heart. In most cases, the heart is temporarily stopped and connected to a heart-lung machine to keep blood and oxygen circulating. However, in certain cases, off-pump CABG (beating heart surgery) can be performed.
Despite being a major procedure, advancements in surgical techniques and postoperative care have significantly improved CABG outcomes and recovery rates.
Here are the key CABG procedure steps:
Like all major surgeries, CABG has potential complications. These may include:
After CABG surgery complications are often minimized through careful monitoring and early intervention. Patients should stay in close communication with their medical team during recovery
Care after CABG surgery involves a detailed recovery plan that includes wound healing, physical therapy, and gradual lifestyle adjustments.
Most patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days. Initial recovery involves:
At home, recovery continues for several weeks. Patients are advised to:
However, treatment is usually recommended if:
Healing time varies but generally takes about 6–12 weeks for most patients.
A heart-healthy diet after CABG surgery plays a critical role in long-term recovery. Proper nutrition helps reduce the risk of further artery blockages and supports overall well-being.
Recommended dietary guidelines include:
A nutritionist or dietitian may help design a personalised diet plan suitable for the patient’s condition.
Always consult with a healthcare provider to decide the best treatment approach based on your specific condition.
Lifestyle changes are essential after CABG to prevent future cardiac problems. These changes include:
Most patients are advised to enroll in a cardiac rehab program. This medically supervised program provides physical training, education on heart-healthy living, and emotional support to help patients return to normal life safely.
Many patients enjoy a significant improvement in their quality of life after successful CABG. CABG bypass surgery helps reduce symptoms, improve cardiac outcomes, and extend life expectancy, especially when accompanied by lifelong heart-healthy habits.
Although CABG doesn't cure heart disease, it offers a second chance at life. Regular follow-up, healthy living, and managing comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension are key to long-term success.
Get in Touch with a Doctor
CABG involves surgical bypass of blocked arteries, while angioplasty uses a balloon and stent to widen them. CABG is typically used for complex or multiple blockages.
CABG commonly uses the saphenous vein from the leg, radial artery from the arm, or internal mammary artery from the chest to create bypasses.
CABG typically takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of arteries being bypassed and the patient's condition.
No, CABG is not a cure. It improves blood flow, but patients still need to manage risk factors through diet, exercise, and medications.
Yes, some patients undergo off-pump CABG, where the surgery is performed while the heart is still beating, avoiding the heart-lung machine.
Recovery depends on the cyst's location and surgical method. Most people return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks after minor procedures.
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