Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts (CABG)
What is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, often referred to as Open-Heart Surgery, is performed under general anaesthesia to restore blood flow to areas of the heart affected by narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. In this procedure, a healthy blood vessel is taken from your chest, forearm, or leg and grafted to your coronary artery beyond the area of narrowing. This bypass graft allows blood to flow freely around the blockage, reducing symptoms and improving heart function.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery is also known as Traditional Open-Heart Surgery.
Patient and cardiologist discussing treatment options.
Why Would You Need CABG?
CABG may be recommended if you have:
- Severe Coronary Artery Disease that requires surgical intervention to restore blood flow.
- A high-grade blockage in one or more coronary arteries that isn’t suitable for angioplasty or stenting.
- Previously attempted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) that failed to clear the blockage.
How is CABG Performed at Monash Heart Private?
At Monash Heart Private, CABG surgery is conducted by our expert cardiologists and cardiac surgeons in specialised catheterisation labs within the Victorian Heart Hospital. Here’s what to expect:
- Admission and Preparation: You will be admitted for a multi-day stay and shown to your private room. Our bedside nurse will help you prepare for the surgery and guide you through the recovery process.
- Anaesthesia and Incision: CABG is performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. Your cardiac surgeon will make an incision in the chest, often through the breastbone, to access the heart.
- Graft Placement:
- A healthy blood vessel, typically taken from your leg, forearm, or chest, is used as a graft. The surgeon attaches it to the coronary artery above and below the blockage, creating a new route for blood flow.
- In many cases, a heart-lung bypass machine is used to take over the heart’s function temporarily while the heart is stopped. In other cases, an “off-pump” technique allows the heart to continue beating throughout the procedure.
- Closing and Recovery: Once the graft is in place, the surgeon closes the chest incision, and you’ll be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for initial recovery. Here, our specialised team will monitor your progress closely, providing a supportive environment as you begin the healing process.
Why Choose Monash Heart Private for CABG?
- Leading Specialists: Our team includes some of Australia’s top cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, ensuring that you receive expert care.
- Advanced Facilities: We operate in state-of-the-art catheterisation labs and diagnostic centres, enabling precise and safe surgical outcomes.
- Patient-Focused Care: Monash Heart Private prioritises patient comfort and well-being, supporting a smooth recovery in a private and compassionate environment.
Experienced cardiologist during a consultation.
Additional Resources
For more information on heart health and coronary angioplasty, here are a few trusted Australian resources:
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- Heart Foundation Australia: Provides comprehensive information on heart conditions, treatment options, and support resources for patients and families. Heart Foundation
- Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ): Offers guidelines and resources on cardiac procedures and treatments relevant to patients. CSANZ
- Australian Government Department of Health – Heart Disease: Contains information on heart disease prevention, treatments, and national health initiatives. Department of Health
- Beyond Blue – Mental Health Support for Chronic Illness: Provides mental health support and resources for individuals coping with chronic conditions like heart disease. Beyond Blue
