Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Why Is CABG Needed?

Coronary artery disease is increasingly common due to lifestyle factors, stress, and rapid urbanisation. In India, its prevalence ranges from 14.8 to 65.4 per 1000 population, making CABG one of the most frequently performed cardiac surgeries.

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CABG is recommended when:

• Major coronary arteries are severely blocked

• Angioplasty or stenting is not suitable or has failed

• There is persistent angina

• Multiple vessels are affected

• There is reduced functioning of the heart muscle (low ejection fraction)

Modern cardiac surgery uses advanced techniques and equipment to ensure high safety standards, even for high-risk patients.

A Team-Based Surgical Procedure
CABG is a highly coordinated operation performed under general anesthesia.
A dedicated heart team works together, including:
Cardiac surgeons

Cardiac anesthesiologists

Perfusionists (heart-lung machine specialists)

Intensive care doctors

Expert cardiac nurses and technicians

Our combined expertise ensures safe, effective surgery and smooth post-operative recovery.

Types of CABG
CABG can be performed in two main ways:

 

1. On-Pump CABG
In this method:
A heart-lung machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs.

The heart is temporarily stopped, allowing the surgeon to work in a still, blood-free environment.

Healthy vessels (veins from the leg or arteries from the chest/forearm) are collected, prepared, and stitched above and below the blockage.

This creates a new channel for blood flow, restoring oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

After completing the grafts, the heart is restarted, and the chest is closed in layers. The patient is then transferred to the ICU for monitoring.

2. Off-Pump CABG (Beating Heart Surgery)
This technique avoids stopping the heart:
The surgery is performed while the heart continues to beat normally.

A stabilising device is used to keep the graft area steady.

This method is suitable for many patients and reduces some risks related to the heart-lung machine.

However, certain patients — such as those with unstable blood pressure or difficult-to-reach blockages — may still require on-pump surgery.

 

Duration & Recovery
CABG surgery typically lasts 3 to 6 hours.

Total hospital stay may range from 5 days to longer, depending on individual recovery and presence of complications.

Early mobilisation, breathing exercises, and cardiac rehabilitation play a crucial role in recovery.

Our CABG Expertise
We offer a full spectrum of advanced coronary bypass procedures, tailored to individual patient needs:

1. Beating Heart Bypass Surgery (Off-Pump CABG)

2. Total Arterial CABG (LIMA–RIMA Y, LIMA–Radial Y)

3. High-Risk CABG

4. CABG in Low Ejection Fraction (Low EF) Patients

5. CABG with Valve Repair or Replacement

6. CABG with Aneurysm or Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Repair

7. Minimally Invasive CABG