What is CABG Medical Abbreviation Meaning

CABG is a bypass surgery that reroutes blood around clogged or narrowed coronary arteries using healthy blood vessels (grafts) taken from another part of your body—usually the leg (saphenous vein), arm (radial artery), or chest (internal mammary artery).

This surgery is typically recommended for people who:

• Have severe coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Experience chronic chest pain (angina) that doesn’t respond to medication

• Have blockages in multiple coronary arteries

• Suffered a serious heart attack

• Are at high risk for future heart attacks or heart failure

CABG can significantly improve the quality of life, reduce chest pain, and increase survival, especially in people with diabetes or multiple blocked vessels.

1. Harvesting the graft: A surgeon removes a healthy blood vessel from the leg, arm, or chest.

2. Opening the chest: The breastbone is split to access the heart.

3. Connecting the graft: The new vessel is sewn into place to create a detour around blocked arteries—allowing oxygen-rich blood to flow freely to the heart muscle.

4. Closing the chest: The sternum is wired back together, and the incision is closed.

In some cases, minimally invasive CABG may be an option, which involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time.

• Hospital stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days.

• Initial recovery: You may feel tired, sore, or emotional for the first few weeks. This is normal.

• Return to normal life: Most people return to light activity or work within 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how well they heal.

A cardiac rehabilitation programme is often recommended to help patients regain strength and adopt heart-healthy habits.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a major heart surgery that improves blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked arteries. Like all major procedures, it carries some risks, though serious complications are relatively uncommon, especially when performed in experienced centres.

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Potential complications

• Infection at the incision site: The surgical wound on the chest or where grafts are taken (often the leg or arm) can become infected. Proper wound care and hygiene reduce this risk.

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): Many patients experience temporary heart rhythm changes, such as atrial fibrillation, after surgery. These are usually treatable with medication or minor interventions.

• Stroke or heart attack: Although rare, CABG can sometimes trigger a stroke or heart attack during or shortly after surgery, particularly in patients with existing cardiovascular risk factors.

• Bleeding or blood clots: Surgery can lead to excessive bleeding or the formation of blood clots. Surgeons take precautions during and after the procedure to minimise these risks.

• Kidney problems: Older adults or those with pre-existing kidney conditions may experience temporary or permanent kidney impairment after CABG, often related to changes in blood flow during surgery.

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Safety and effectiveness

Despite these potential complications, CABG is generally safe and highly effective, especially when performed early in patients with significant coronary artery disease. Outcomes are improved in high-volume centres with experienced surgical teams. Patients often experience reduced chest pain, improved quality of life, and lower risk of future heart attacks following recovery.