What is CABG surgery?

A simple explanation for patients

The CABG procedure is an operation that uses healthy blood vessels taken from other body parts, like the leg or chest, to create new pathways for blood to reach the heart muscle beyond blocked coronary arteries. This procedure relieves chest pain and improves heart function, lowering the risks of heart attacks.

Simply put, the CABG procedure means surgeons reroute blood flow by attaching vessels from your leg or chest to bypass blocked parts of your heart's arteries. This helps your heart get enough oxygen and work better.

Why is CABG Procedure Needed?

Surgeons recommend the CABG procedure for patients with severe coronary artery blockages causing chest pain, breathlessness, or raised heart attack risk. If untreated, blockages starve the heart muscle, causing permanent damage. Bypass surgery restores blood flow, easing symptoms and protecting the heart.

Common Reasons and Key Conditions Treated

• Significant narrowing/blockages in the coronary arteries.

• Chest pain (angina) is unrelieved by medications.

• Previous heart attack with damaged arteries.

• Heart failure from poor circulation.

• Multiple-artery disease is unsuitable for angioplasty.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for CABG Surgery?

Trust Manipal Hospitals for world-class cardiac surgery that blends expert skill and modern facilities, ensuring outstanding patient care.

• Experienced cardiac surgeons: Expertise in complex CABG surgeries.

• Advanced operating rooms: Equipped for on-pump and off-pump CABG.

• Quality accreditation: NABH and JCI certified for excellence and safety.

• Comprehensive rehabilitation: Tailored programmes for international patient recovery.

• Focus on patient comfort and safety.

Indications for Types of CABG

Candidates for various types of CABG often have complex coronary artery disease requiring one or more grafts to restore circulation effectively.

• One or more major coronary artery blockages.

• Persistent symptoms despite medication.

• Reduced heart pumping efficiency.

• Suitable overall health for surgery.

• Anatomy favours bypass over stents.

Who Should Avoid or Delay the CABG Procedure?

Delays or alternative care may be advised in case of infections, organ failure, or very frail health. A detailed cardiac consultation is essential.

• Active infections or fever.

• Severe lung, kidney, or liver disease.

• Coagulation disorders or uncontrolled bleeding.

• Severe frailty or inability to undergo post-op care.

Preparing for CABG Surgery

• Pre-surgery assessments: ECG, echocardiogram, angiography, and blood tests.

• Medication review: Adjustments to blood thinners and other drugs.

• Lifestyle improvements: Smoking cessation and a healthy diet are advised.

• Pre-op fasting instructions.

• Travel and accommodation planning for international patients.

• Arrange family or friend support for hospital stay and recovery.

What Happens During the CABG Procedure Steps?

The CABG procedure steps involve anaesthesia, chest incision, harvesting grafts, use of the heart-lung machine if needed, connecting grafts to bypass blockages, heart restart, and closure. Duration is usually 3 to 6 hours.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

• The patient is given general anaesthesia and positioned.

• The chest is opened via sternotomy or small incisions.

• Healthy vessels from the leg or chest are harvested.

• Heart connected to heart-lung bypass machine.

• Grafts sewn onto coronary arteries beyond blockages.

• The heart is restarted, and the chest is closed with monitoring.

Recovery After CABG Surgery

Recovery includes ICU monitoring, pain management, breathing support, and gradual mobilisation. International patients get coordinated follow-up and rehabilitation guidance, ensuring optimal healing.

Risks & Complications

Possible risks include infection, bleeding, heart rhythm problems, or stroke. Strict safety protocols reduce complications. Full disclosure improves personalised care and monitoring.

Benefits of CABG Surgery

The CABG procedure offers:

• Effective symptom relief: Reduces chest pain and breathlessness.

• Improved blood supply: Protects the heart muscle from damage.

• Increased survival chances: Decreases heart attack risk.

• Enhanced quality of life and energy.

• Tailored approach: Choice of graft and technique suited to the patient.

Cost of CABG Surgery at Manipal Hospitals

The cost of CABG surgery at Manipal Hospitals Global is more affordable than in many Western or Gulf nations, covering surgery, hospital stay, diagnostics, medicines, and initial rehab. Personalised quotes post medical review aid planning.

International Patient Support at Manipal Hospitals

Visa assistance, airport pickup, accommodation, interpreters, special dietary help, and insurance coordination are provided. Dedicated coordinators support patients throughout treatment and recovery.