This is the most commonly performed but most invasive procedure for treating patients with an obstructed coronary artery. The procedure involves by-passing the blocked part of the artery by attaching a segment of blood vessel (graft) taken from another part of the body to the coronary artery, either side of the blocked or narrowed area. This can permanently restore the blood flow by redirecting the blood around the blockage and through the newly placed graft.
CABG is open heart surgery and involves making a large incision in the middle or side of the chest to open it up and expose the heart. The procedure can take up to six hours and patients need to stay in hospital for at least three days. Patient recovery time is around 4 to 6 weeks and most people can return to work within one or two months of the surgery.