If you have plaque build-up or blocked arteries, the blood flow and supply of oxygen to your heart will decrease. The buildup in your arteries weakens your heart muscle.
CABG is open-heart surgery that restores proper blood flow to your heart.
During CABG, your surgeon:
CABG is also known as coronary artery bypass surgery or heart bypass surgery. It's an effective treatment method for people with severe blockages in their arteries.
Coronary artery bypass graft is a surgical procedure in which a healthy vein or artery is taken from your leg or arm and used to create a new path for blood flow to your heart. These new paths bypass the blockage and restore proper blood flow to your heart.
To request an appointment, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute:
The most common condition we treat with CABG is coronary artery disease. For people with coronary artery disease, their arteries narrow and harden due to plaque buildup in their blood vessels.
Some symptoms of coronary heart disease include:
Left untreated, coronary artery disease may cause a heart attack.
CABG also helps people who don't have a coronary artery disease diagnosis but who form blockage in their arteries.
Your doctor will first order tests to check your heart and see if bypass surgery is right for you.
Tests may include:
The results will help your doctor learn how severe your heart disease and how much blockage you have.
If your doctor clears you for heart bypass surgery, he or she will give you details on how to best prepare.
Heart bypass surgery can last between two and six hours, based on how severe your disease. You will receive general anesthesia before surgery, so you won't be awake or feel any pain.
To create the bypass, your surgeon will:
Once your surgeon bypasses the blocked artery, he or she will close your incision and you can start to heal.
After CABG, your doctor will provide instructions for post-op care.
It can take a few months to fully recover, so you should avoid any strenuous activity.
You might also need to make lifestyle changes and take medicine to prevent future blocks in your arteries.
As with any open-heart surgery, CABG poses risks and complications like:
Some people may have a slight fever or get pneumonia after surgery.
Your age, other health problems, and the amount of blockage in your arteries also increase the likelihood of post-op complications.
If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before having coronary artery bypass surgery.
To learn more about heart bypass or find a doctor, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
