Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

CABG is a surgical treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). During a CABG, an incision is made on the chest and extended down through the sternum (breast bone) to allow the surgeon to visualize the heart. The surgeon then mobilizes a healthy artery from the chest wall (mammary artery) and removes vein(s) from the leg. These vessels will be sewn into the native arteries on the heart to bypass the affected vessels. This creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle. After surgery, you will spend 1-2 days in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Average total length of stay after this surgery is 4-7 days.

Pre-op CABG routine: Before your surgery, your surgeon will see and examine you as well as review all pertinent labs, imaging, and tests. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions and gain a full understanding of the nature of your disease process and the surgery to treat that disease. You will have lab tests, lung function tests, EKG, and chest x-ray prior to surgery. Before surgery, it is very important for you to practice getting around without using your arms to lift, push, or pull anything greater than 10 pounds. This will be the main restriction placed upon you after your surgery. Practice getting out of a car, up and down out of bed and chairs without using your arms. Your preoperative instructions will be provided to you in office. Follow them, and call the office with any needs or concerns.