Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Alternate Terms:
  • Bypass Surgery
  • CABG
 Begin Learning with Healthy Advice:
Heart Attack, Coronary Artery Disease & Angina



Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Definition by Healthwise:

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is done to go around a portion of an artery that has been narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).

The blocked portion of the artery is bypassed using a blood vessel taken from elsewhere in the body (usually the chest or leg). Blood is redirected through the new blood vessel, restoring blood flow to the affected portion of the heart muscle.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a common treatment for coronary artery disease.

Author: Robin Parks, MS
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology
Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Last Updated: May 29, 2008

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