Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) restores blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries using grafts taken from other parts of the body.
Success Rate
97%
Hospital Stay
7–10 days
Recovery
6–12 weeks
Cost Range
₹2,50,000 – ₹5,00,000
What is Heart Bypass Surgery?
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is open-heart surgery that creates new routes for blood to reach the heart muscle when the coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked by plaque. A blood vessel — typically the internal mammary artery or saphenous vein from the leg — is grafted to bypass the blockage.
When is Bypass Surgery Recommended?
- Triple vessel coronary artery disease — all three main arteries significantly blocked
- Left main coronary artery disease — high-risk anatomy requiring surgical approach
- Diabetes with multi-vessel disease — CABG shows superior long-term outcomes
- Failed angioplasty / restenosis — previous stents that have re-narrowed
- Heart attack with surgical anatomy — emergency or urgent CABG
Types of Bypass Surgery
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Pump CABG | Heart stopped; cardiopulmonary bypass machine maintains circulation |
| Off-Pump CABG (Beating Heart) | Surgery on the beating heart; avoids bypass machine |
| Minimally Invasive CABG (MIDCAB) | Small incisions for single/double vessel disease |
| Robotic CABG | Robot-assisted, minimal incision for selected patients |
The CABG Procedure
- General anaesthesia; chest opened via median sternotomy
- Cardiopulmonary bypass initiated (for on-pump)
- Blocked artery identified; graft vessels harvested
- Bypass grafts sewn to coronary arteries beyond blockages
- Heart restarted; bypass machine removed
- Sternum closed with wires; wound closed
Recovery
Patients typically spend 1–2 days in cardiac ICU post-surgery, followed by 5–7 days on the ward. Sternal healing takes 6–8 weeks — during which driving and heavy lifting are restricted. Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended.
Costs in India
| Hospital Tier | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Tier-1 City (corporate hospital) | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Tier-2 / Government-aided | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| International Patient Package | USD 7,000 – USD 12,000 |
Costs include pre-operative investigations, surgery, ICU, ward stay, and cardiac rehabilitation initiation.
FAQ
Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) — Frequently Asked Questions
Is CABG better than angioplasty?
For multi-vessel disease (3 or more blocked arteries) and diabetic patients, CABG generally produces better long-term outcomes than angioplasty (PCI). The choice depends on anatomy, overall health, and the cardiac team's assessment.
How long does bypass surgery take?
CABG typically takes 3–6 hours depending on the number of bypasses required (single, double, triple, or quadruple bypass).
Will I be on a heart-lung machine?
Most bypass surgeries use cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump). Off-pump CABG (beating heart surgery) is an option for selected patients, reducing some risks associated with the bypass machine.
When can I return to work after bypass surgery?
Desk jobs: 6–8 weeks. Physical work: 3 months. Full cardiac rehabilitation takes 3–6 months with guided exercise programme.