In this Article

• What is coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery?
• How does coronary artery disease develop?
• How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
• How is coronary artery disease (CAD) treated?
• How is CABG surgery done?
• How do patients recover after CABG surgery?
• What are the risks and complications of CABG surgery?
• What are the long-term results after CABG surgery?
• How do CABG surgery and PTCA (angioplasty) compare?
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - Describe Your Experience
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Index
• Find a local Cardiothoracic Surgeon in your town

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 Bypass Graft At A Glance

• 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

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - Describe Your Experience

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Please describe your experience with coronary artery bypass graft.

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