Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (cont.)
How do CABG surgery and angioplasty (PTCA) compare?
Ongoing studies are comparing the treatment results of angioplasty (PTCA)
versus bypass (CABG surgery) in patients who are candidates for either
procedure. Both procedures are very effective in reducing angina symptoms,
preventing heart attacks, and reducing death. Many studies have either shown
similar benefits or slight advantage to CABG (primarily in severe diabetics),
although current studies are evaluating the two procedures utilizing the most
current improved techniques (for example, newer "medicated" stents and the off-pump
CABG); this data is still being collected. The best choice for an individual
patient is best made by their cardiologist, surgeon, and primary doctor.
- Coronary artery disease develops because of hardening of the arteries
(arteriosclerosis) that supply blood to the heart muscle.
- In the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, helpful tests include EKG,
stress test, echocardiography, and coronary angiography.
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery reestablishes sufficient blood
flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.
- The bypass graft for a CABG can be a vein from the leg or an inner chest
wall artery.
References: American Heart Association, "Open-Heart Surgery Statistics"
Last Editorial Review: 5/7/2007
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