What Is CABG Surgery? A Guide to Heart Bypass Surgery

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with severe heart disease, your doctor may recommend coronary artery bypass surgery. You might also hear this procedure called CABG (said “cabbage”), which stands for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Hearing that you need heart surgery can feel overwhelming. Understanding what the procedure involves and why it may be recommended can help you feel more prepared and confident about your care.

What is CABG surgery?

CABG, or coronary artery bypass grafting, is a type of heart surgery that improves blood flow to the heart.

The heart muscle needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to work properly. This blood travels through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle. Over time, these arteries can become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque, a condition known as coronary artery disease. Long term, if the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow, the muscle can become damaged, and the heart will weaken and not pump properly. This can result in a heart attack or heart failure.

During CABG surgery, a surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the chest, arm or leg. The surgeon then attaches this vessel above and below the blocked artery; this is called a “graft”. Each graft performed creates a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart muscle.

Because the blood is rerouted around the blockage, the procedure is often called heart bypass surgery.

Why would someone need heart bypass surgery?

Doctors may recommend CABG surgery when coronary arteries are severely narrowed or blocked.

This surgery may be needed if:

You have significant blockages in multiple coronary arteries
A blockage is in a location that makes other treatments difficult
Other treatments, such as stents or medications, are not enough
You are experiencing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath

CABG surgery can improve blood flow to the heart, relieve symptoms and help reduce the risk of serious heart complications.
Your cardiologist will evaluate your overall heart health, your symptoms and imaging tests to determine whether bypass surgery is the best treatment option for you.

How is CABG surgery performed?

CABG surgery is performed by a specialized heart surgeon.

During the procedure:

The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart.
A healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body.
The surgeon attaches the vessel above and below the blocked artery.
Blood flow is redirected through the new vessel.

Depending on how many arteries are blocked, a patient may receive one, two, three or more bypass grafts. You may hear doctors refer to these as a double, triple or quadruple bypass.

The surgery typically takes several hours and is performed in a hospital operating room by a team of highly trained specialists.

How long does CABG surgery take?

CABG surgery usually takes three to six hours, depending on how complex the procedure is and how many arteries need bypass grafts.
After surgery, patients are moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) so the care team can closely monitor their recovery.

Most patients stay in the hospital for about four to six days, though recovery times can vary.

What is the recovery time after bypass surgery?

Recovering from CABG surgery takes time, but many patients begin feeling better as blood flow to the heart improves.

When patients leave the hospital to go home it is expected that they are able to walk independently, go up a flight of stairs and do basic tasks for themselves.

Full recovery often takes six to 12 weeks. During recovery, patients may notice:

Gradually improving energy levels
Less chest discomfort over time
Increased ability to walk and exercise

Doctors often recommend cardiac rehabilitation, a medically supervised program that helps patients safely rebuild strength, improve heart health and learn healthy lifestyle habits. Formal cardiac rehabilitation programs require patients to be 6 weeks out from surgery. Referrals to rehabilitation are placed during the post-operative clinic appointment.

Following your care team’s instructions about activity, medications and follow-up appointments is an important part of recovery.

What are the risks of bypass surgery?

Like any major surgery, CABG does carry some risks. However, it is a common and well-established procedure that has helped many people live longer and healthier lives. Doctors will help you understand the risk and benefits of surgery; when surgery is offered, it is because the benefits outweigh the risks.

Possible risks may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Irregular heart rhythms
Kidney or liver dysfunction
Stroke or heart attack

Your care team will carefully evaluate your health and medical history before surgery to help minimize risks and ensure the safest possible outcome.

Is CABG better than a stent?

CABG surgery and stents are both treatments used to improve blood flow to the heart, but they are used in different situations.
A stent is a small mesh tube placed inside a narrowed artery to help keep it open. Stents are often used for less complex or fewer blockages or in patients who are not good candidates for open heart surgery.

CABG surgery may be recommended when:

Multiple arteries are blocked
Blockages are severe
The location of the blockage makes stenting difficult

Your cardiologist will recommend the treatment that offers the best long-term outcome based on your specific condition.

How long do bypass grafts last?

Bypass grafts are designed to improve blood flow to the heart for many years.

Many grafts can last 10 to 15 years or longer, especially when patients follow heart-healthy habits.

Steps that can help protect your heart after surgery include:

Eating a heart-healthy diet
Staying physically active
Taking prescribed medications
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
Avoiding tobacco use

These lifestyle changes help reduce the risk of future artery blockages and support long-term heart health.

When should you talk to a doctor about heart symptoms?

If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue or discomfort in the arms, jaw or back, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider.

These symptoms could be signs of heart disease and should not be ignored.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes.

If you have questions about coronary artery disease or bypass surgery, a cardiothoracic surgeon can help you understand your options and develop a care plan that supports your long-term heart health.

Learn more about the services available at the John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute and schedule an appointment today!