Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

Category: Heart Tests & Procedures · All heart tests & procedures

What it is

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is open-heart surgery in which a blood vessel taken from the leg, arm or chest is sewn onto the coronary arteries to create a new route for blood around narrowed or blocked sections.

Why it is done

It is offered for severe or widespread coronary artery disease, especially where several vessels are involved, the main left artery is narrowed, or stenting is not suitable — including for some people with diabetes.

How to prepare

Before surgery you will have blood tests, heart and lung checks, and a review of medicines; blood thinners may be adjusted. You will meet the surgeon and anaesthetist, be told about fasting, and plan for a hospital stay of about a week.

What happens during the procedure

Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon opens the breastbone, takes the graft vessels, and sews them into place. Many operations use a heart-lung machine while the heart is stopped; some are done on the beating heart. Surgery usually takes three to five hours, followed by intensive care.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Recovery involves intensive care for a day or two, then the ward, with drains and lines removed progressively. The breastbone takes six to eight weeks or more to heal fully, so lifting and driving are restricted during that time. Cardiac rehabilitation supports your recovery over the following weeks.

Risks & considerations

Risks include bleeding, infection (including of the breastbone wound), irregular heartbeat, kidney problems, stroke and, rarely, death; the surgical team will discuss your individual risk estimate. Long-term success depends also on medicines and lifestyle measures that protect the grafts.

Watch: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) videos

Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.

▶ WatchCardiac surgery simplified coronary artery bypass graftWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchCoronary artery bypass graftingWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchCoronary artery bypass grafting cabgWatch on MedicalVideos.com

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Condition guide: heart attack

Frequently asked questions

How long will the grafts last?

Vein grafts can narrow over years, while artery grafts from the chest tend to last longer. Medicines such as statins and antiplatelets, not smoking, and activity all help protect them.

When can I drive after bypass surgery?

Commonly after about four to six weeks, once the breastbone has healed enough and your surgeon agrees. Always check your local licensing rules too.

Related procedures — Heart Tests & Procedures

Angioplasty and stent (PCI)Cardiac ablation (catheter ablation)Cardiac catheterisation — right heart cath Cardiac event recorder / patch monitor Cardioversion (DC shock treatment)Coronary angiogram (cardiac catheterisation)

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Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.