Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Benefits, Risks, and Complications

CABG is a hugely beneficial procedure, though it comes with both common surgical risks and unique complications.

Helpful Highlights

CABG is a time-tested procedure, with about 200,000 performed every year (also the most commonly performed cardiac surgery worldwide).
It has proven quality of life benefits.
It does also come with surgical risks, as well as risks unique to cardiac procedures.

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CABG benefits & advantages

Generally improves quality of life by decreasing or eliminating angina and other heart disease symptoms
Facilitates resuming a more active lifestyle
Improves the pumping action of the heart damaged by a heart attack
Lowers the risk of an initial or second heart attack (especially in those with conditions that impact the cardiovascular system, such as diabetes)
Improves the chance of survival
Has a long history of success
Better for multiple blockages or blockages in major coronary arteries
Lowers potential for follow-up procedures

CABG risks & complications

Coronary artery bypass surgery is open-heart surgery. All surgeries have some risks. While most of these risks and complications are avoidable or treatable, it’s still important to understand them.

Complication risk is higher if the surgery is done as an emergency procedure.

Bleeding
Secondary heart attack due to a blood clot after surgery
Other heart conditions emerge (such as heart failure)
Infection at the site of the chest incision
Irregular heart rhythms (called arrhythmias)
Kidney problems
Memory loss or trouble thinking clearly (though this is often temporary)
Stroke
Death

Your loved one's specific risk of complications after bypass surgery (CABG) also depends on their overall health before surgery. These medical conditions increase the risk of complications:

Cardiovascular disease in the lower extremities (blocked arteries in the legs)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

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