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What is CABG Medical Abbreviation Meaning

Author: Analgesia logo

Last Updated on May 17, 2025 by Analgesia team

CABG Medical Abbreviation

CABG (pronounced “cabbage”) stands for coronary artery bypass graft, a major heart surgery used to restore normal blood flow to the heart when one or more of the coronary arteries are blocked. It’s one of the most common and effective treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD).

 

What Is CABG Surgery?

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).

Why it’s done

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

How CABG Works: Step-by-Step

  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.

What to Expect During Recovery

  • 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.

Risks and Complications of CABG

Like all major surgeries, CABG carries some risk. Potential complications include:

  • Infection at the incision site

  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

  • Stroke or heart attack

  • Bleeding or blood clots

  • Kidney problems (especially in older adults or those with pre-existing conditions)

However, CABG is generally safe and effective, with improved outcomes when done early and in experienced centres.

CABG vs. PCI (Stenting): Which Is Better?

CABG is often compared to PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention), also known as angioplasty with stent placement.

  • CABG is more invasive but may be better for people with multiple blockages or diabetes.

  • PCI is less invasive and offers quicker recovery, but may need to be repeated over time.

Doctors decide the best option based on the severity and location of blockages, overall health, and personal preferences.


Key Takeaway

CABG is a life-saving surgery for people with serious heart artery blockages. While newer, less invasive treatments like PCI are becoming more common, CABG remains the gold standard for complex coronary disease. If your doctor recommends it, it could be the most effective way to relieve chest pain, prevent a heart attack, and add years to your life.

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