Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is the most common type of cardiac surgery. CABG is a procedure that is done to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
- The blocked artery is bypassed by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the patient's body, such as the chest, leg, or arm, to create a new route for blood to flow to the heart.
- This procedure helps to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart and can reduce the risk of a heart attack.
- CABG is typically recommended for patients who have severe coronary artery disease, which is a condition that occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque.
- This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
- CABG can also be done as an emergency procedure in patients who are experiencing a heart attack or severe chest pain.
It's important to note that CABG is a major surgery and carries some risks, but it can be life-saving and has a high success rate. The procedure and recovery time can vary depending on the patient's health, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors.