Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)

Coronary disease is the most widespread form of ailment affecting the heart ; most premature deaths across the world are a result of this disease. Failure of coronary circulation to supply adequate blood to cardiac muscle and surrounding tissue is the key cause. The inside of the blood vessels get blocked with the build-up of fleshy material; angina, shortness of breath, and heart attack may occur as per the intensity or severity of the obstruction. Doctors recommend coronary artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) as a treatment to such a disease.

In the process the angina is relieved; arteries or veins from another area in the patient’s body are connected to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic contraction. This helps in improved blood supply around the blockage to the heart muscle. During one CABG, up to four major blocked coronary arteries can be bypassed. The functioning of the heart is usually stopped during the surgery; to facilitate temporary heart function, cardiopulmonary bypass technique is used. There are also techniques available to perform bypass surgery on a beating heart.

The risks involved in CABG are same as any other surgery. Repeat bypass surgery may be required if connected arteries become obstructed, or if new blockages occur.