Heart procedure
Coronary Artery Bypass
A coronary artery bypass creates a new route for blood to flow around narrowed or blocked heart arteries, relieving angina and reducing heart attack risk.
Quick answer
Coronary Artery Bypass: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) uses a blood vessel taken from the chest, leg or arm to bypass narrowed sections of the coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Why it is done: It is used for significant coronary artery disease, particularly when several arteries are narrowed or the main artery is affected, to relieve angina and improve survival when stents are not the best option.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon attaches the graft vessels to bypass the blockages, often using a heart-lung machine while the heart is stopped.
What it is
A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) uses a blood vessel taken from the chest, leg or arm to bypass narrowed sections of the coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.
Why it is done
It is used for significant coronary artery disease, particularly when several arteries are narrowed or the main artery is affected, to relieve angina and improve survival when stents are not the best option.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon attaches the graft vessels to bypass the blockages, often using a heart-lung machine while the heart is stopped. It is major open-heart surgery lasting several hours.
Recovery
A hospital stay of about a week is usual, followed by cardiac rehabilitation. Full recovery takes 2–3 months, with steady improvement in energy and the ability to exercise.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
As major surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, stroke, kidney problems and irregular heart rhythms. Grafts can narrow over time, and lifestyle changes and medicines remain important.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Coronary Artery Bypass: frequently asked questions
How is a bypass different from a stent?
A stent props open a narrowed artery from the inside during a keyhole procedure, while a bypass reroutes blood around blockages with grafts in open surgery. Bypass is often preferred for complex or multi-vessel disease.
How long is recovery after heart bypass?
Most people stay in hospital about a week and take 2 to 3 months to recover fully, supported by a cardiac rehabilitation programme to rebuild fitness safely.
Related
Other heart procedure
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Cardiovascular Society / relevant professional body
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