Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (also referred to as CABG) is a treatment option for Coronary Artery Disease.  Based on the size, number, and locations of artery blockages, your doctor may decide that bypass surgery, often referred to as open heart surgery, is the best treatment. 

How Bypass Surgery is Done

During bypass surgery, blockages are not removed.  Rather, a new pathway is created around the blocked part of a coronary artery.  First, a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body.  This is the bypass graft.  The graft is attached to the coronary artery beyond the blockage.  This way, blood flows through the graft and bypasses the blocked part of the artery. 

The Bypass Graft (vein or artery)

The bypass graft is taken from another part of your body.  This usually doesn't affect blood flow in that body part.  If you have more than one blockage, more than one graft may be needed.  One or more of these blood vessels will be used:

• The saphenous vein, which is located in the leg
• The radial artery, which is located in the arm
• The internal thoracic (mammary) artery, which is located in the chest wall
   

What happens after the procedure?

You will be taken to the ICU where dedicated nurses will make sure you have everything you need and monitor your blood pressure.  At first, a tube will help you breathe.  An IV will provide medications to control pain as well as fluids.  Drainage tubes will help drain fluid from your chest, and you may have an intraaortic balloon pump to take over some of the heart's pumping function.

When your condition is stable, usually the same day as surgery or one day afterwards, you will be moved to another part of the hospital.

Click here to learn more about Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), including other treatment options.