Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG)

A surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from your chest, arm or leg and uses it to carry blood past a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. It is one of the most established operations in cardiac surgery, and it is usually recommended when several arteries are involved or when the left main artery is affected.

What the operation involves

Most bypasses are done through the breastbone under general anaesthetic and take three to five hours. Your surgeon may use the heart-lung machine (on-pump) or operate on the beating heart (off-pump); the choice depends on your heart function and the arteries involved, and it is discussed before you travel. One to four grafts is typical.

Recovery and what to expect

Expect one to two days in intensive care and five to seven days in hospital in total. Walking short distances usually begins within two or three days. The breastbone takes roughly six to eight weeks to knit, so lifting, driving and pushing are restricted during that time. Cardiac rehabilitation begins before discharge and continues at home.

Before you agree to anything

Ask what your ejection fraction is, how many grafts are planned, and whether stenting is a reasonable alternative in your case. A surgeon who has seen your angiogram can answer all three, and we will put the questions to them in writing.

What we arrange around it

A companion is strongly advised. We plan a longer stay than the hospital days alone — around three weeks — so there is room for the review appointment before you fly, and we arrange accommodation within reach of the hospital.