Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) | Dr. Soliman
The coronary arteries supply the heart muscle with blood. When they narrow from cholesterol plaque, patients may develop angina or a heart attack. Bypass surgery creates a new route for blood around the narrowing.
Surgery or stents?
Surgery is often preferred for disease in several arteries or the left main stem, or in some patients with diabetes. The decision follows review of the angiogram and discussion between cardiologist and surgeon.
Grafts used
Commonly used grafts include the internal mammary artery and leg veins, sometimes the radial artery from the arm. Most operations are performed through a sternotomy; some can be done on the beating heart without the heart-lung machine.
After the operation
Taking medication, stopping smoking, controlling diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, and cardiac rehabilitation are key to protecting the result long term.
Further medical reading
Independent educational references; individual treatment choices require a clinical assessment.