A coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to divert blood around narrow or clogged arteries (blood vessels). This improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.
Every year 28,000 CABGs are performed in the UK, and nearly 80% of those needing the operation are men over the age of 60. CABG is also referred to as a coronary artery bypass surgery.
CABG involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the body, usually the chest or leg, to use as a graft. In most cases a surgeon will carry out several grafts to ensure the procedure does not have to be repeated in future.
The grafts replace any hardened or narrowed arteries in the heart. A surgeon will attach the new blood vessel to the coronary artery above and below the narrowed area or blockage.
CABG is often used to treat coronary artery disease and can reduce the risk of having a heart attack.
CABG is often performed if lifestyle changes and medicines do not improve a heart condition.
CABG can be carried out more than once and repeated in the future if necessary, for example, if a bypass graft has become blocked.
What is a triple bypass?
The aorta is the main artery of the body. There are two coronary arteries that come off the aorta and the left one divides into, making three main cornary branches. A triple bypass is a bypass that's done on all three vessels.
