Cardiac Surgery

This explanation of CABG is not meant as a substitute for medical advice. If you are interested in learning more please take an appointment with one of our specialists who will be able to address your concerns and questions more fully.

What is CABG?
Coronary artery disease (also called coronary atherosclerosis or ischemic heart disease) refers to changes or processes that occur in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen to the heart muscle. This is a slowly evolving disease in which the inner layer of the artery becomes thickened and irregular and traps deposits of cholesterol and calcium.

How can CABG be treated?
Coronary artery disease requires coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This is an operation that restores blood flow to the heart. The surgeon attaches a bypass graft to the aorta and to the coronary artery beyond the diseased section. This restores the blood flow in the area that was deprived due to blocks or narrowing inside the coronary arteries.
As many as six grafts are sometimes needed to bypass all the narrowed or blocked arteries. Bypass grafts are taken from the leg veins (venectomy), the radial artery in the arms, or the internal mammary artery (IMA). The blood vessel chosen for use in your case depends on your medical history.
The leg vein used is the saphenous vein. It lies close to the skin and goes from the inner ankle to the upper thigh. It can be removed without harming circulation in the leg.
The IMA, about the size of a coronary artery, lies under the chest wall. It can be detached and sewn into the coronary artery.

How is coronary artery disease treated at SCH?
The patient either attends the clinic of cardiac surgeons Dr. Shahid Sami or Dr. Najeeb Basir in South City Hospital, or a cardiologist who advises CABG after performing a Coronary Angiography refers the patient to the SCH cardiac surgeon.