Coronary Artery Bypass, "CABG", is the most common "open heart" operation.
The coronary arteries lie on the surface of the heart muscle and provide the heart with oxygen and nutrients as it continuously pumps blood to the entire body. Blockages in the coronary arteries may cause angina pectoris (chest pain) or result in permanent death of a portion of the heart muscle, i.e. a heart attack or myocardial infarction.
Coronary artery disease may be treated medically, with stents/angioplasty, or by CABG - depending on the extent of disease and other clinical factors. In collaboration with our cardiology colleagues, we utilize evidence based medicine to determine the best treatment for each individual. In general, CABG is the best treatment for patients with left main or three-vessel disease and for a number of patients with two-vessel involvement.
The blockages or obstructions in the coronary arteries are bypassed with arteries from the undersurface of the chest wall, forearm, and veins from the leg. With modern techniques, the risks of CABG are very low and the long-term outcomes are excellent. Our approach includes protocols that speed postoperative recovery ("fast track") and techniques that improve long-term results, such as the use of multiple arterial grafts in appropriate patients.
For additional information click on this link:
http://www.sts.org/sections/patientinformation/adultcardiacsurgery/cabg/