Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery | Procedure & Cost

There are several types of coronary artery bypass surgeries based on how the procedure is performed and the surgical techniques used. Types of CABG surgery include:

• On-Pump CABG (Conventional CABG)
• Off-Pump CABG (OPCAB / Beating-Heart Surgery)
• Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MICS CABG surgery)
• Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB)
• CABG robotic surgery
• Hybrid bypass surgery

On-Pump CABG (Conventional CABG)

On-pump CABG is a heart bypass surgery in which the heart is intentionally stopped while a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over circulation and oxygenation. Because the heart is still and free of blood, the surgeon can place multiple bypass grafts more easily, which is especially helpful when the blockages are complicated or when several bypasses are required. It is the traditional and most commonly used form of CABG.

Off-Pump CABG (Beating-Heart Surgery)

Off-pump CABG is performed while the heart continues to beat, without using a heart-lung machine. The surgeon uses stabilising devices to steady small areas of the heart while placing grafts. The goal is the same as traditional CABG, but the technique differs because it avoids stopping the heart and bypassing circulation.

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery

Minimally invasive CABG surgery procedures that avoid traditional large chest incisions in order to minimise damage, pain, and recovery time while ensuring efficient coronary revascularisation. The types of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgeries include:

• Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB): In this, the surgeon performs the bypass through a small left-sided chest incision, without opening the breastbone. It is usually performed off-pump, meaning the heart continues to beat during the procedure. MIDCAB is most commonly used to bypass a single critical blockage, especially in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. It is categorised as a type of CABG because it creates a surgical bypass graft, but it differs from traditional CABG in that it avoids a large incision and often avoids the heart-lung machine.

• CABG robotic surgery: Robotic CABG is a minimally invasive bypass surgery done through very small openings in the chest using robotic instruments and a small camera. In some cases, the entire operation can be done endoscopically, called totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB). It is still a type of CABG because the surgeon creates bypass grafts, but it differs from traditional surgery because the robotic system allows the procedure to be performed with smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery.

• Hybrid bypass surgery: Hybrid bypass surgery combines one surgical bypass with stent placement. Usually, the surgeon creates a strong bypass to the LAD artery, and the other blockages are treated with stents instead of additional grafts. This approach reduces surgical extent while improving blood flow. It is considered a type of CABG because it involves a surgical graft, but it differs in that it also uses stents.
  

CABG Indications

CABG surgery is recommended when the blood arteries of the heart are significantly narrowed or blocked, and other treatments (medicines or stents) are insufficient to restore normal blood flow. It is usually advised in conditions where blood supply to the heart is at high risk, symptoms are difficult to control, or when certain high-risk blockages are present. Common CABG surgery indications include:

• Left main coronary artery disease (LMCA)
• Three-vessel coronary artery disease
• Two-vessel disease
• Refractory angina 
• Large Ischemic Burden
• Severe stenosis
• One vessel disease 
• Serious heart failure
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Left main coronary artery disease (LMCA)

CABG is recommended for left main disease because the left main coronary artery supplies a large portion of the heart. A major blockage here can lead to severe heart damage or sudden death. However, stents can be utilised in certain cases. CABG is commonly recommended because it provides a more reliable and long-term restoration of blood flow and improves survival, particularly when the blockage is significant or involves a branching area.

Three-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease

CABG is recommended when all three major coronary arteries are blocked, as this greatly reduces blood flow to the heart. Stenting many blockages may not last as long, whereas CABG can bypass all diseased vessels in a single surgery, providing more complete and durable improvement. In people with diabetes or weaker heart function, CABG has also been shown to offer better long-term results than stents.

Two-Vessel Disease

Two-vessel disease means that two major coronary arteries have significant blockages. When more than one major artery is involved, a large portion of the heart muscle receives reduced blood flow. CABG may be considered because bypassing both blocked vessels can more effectively restore circulation, reduce symptoms, and improve long-term outcomes compared with medical therapy or stenting.

Refractory angina

It is a chest discomfort that remains despite effective medical treatment. When symptoms continue due to insufficient blood flow from blocked coronary arteries, CABG is considered the last resort. The surgery can alleviate symptoms by rerouting blood around the obstructed arteries, ensuring the heart muscle receives sufficient oxygen and reducing or eliminating angina episodes.

Large ischemic burden

A large ischemic burden means that a significant portion of the heart muscle is unable to receive enough blood and oxygen during stress or activity. When a large area is ischemic, the risk of heart failure and heart attack increases. CABG is indicated because restoring blood flow to such a large region improves heart function, reduces symptoms, and has been shown to improve survival.

Severe stenosis

CABG is indicated for patients with severe coronary stenosis, especially when multiple vessels, the left main, or the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery are involved, because these high-risk blockages threaten myocardial viability, and bypass surgery offers more reliable long-term revascularisation than stenting.

One-vessel disease

CABG is considered in one-vessel disease when the proximal LAD is involved or when stenting isn’t feasible. In these cases, the affected artery supplies an essential area of the heart, and bypass surgery provides more reliable restoration of blood flow.

Serious heart failure

Serious or advanced heart failure can be caused by chronic poor blood supply to the heart muscle (ischemic cardiomyopathy). When reduced heart pumping function is related to blocked coronary arteries, CABG may be indicated to improve blood flow, revive hibernating myocardium, and enhance heart function.

Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

A heart attack indicates a sudden blockage in a coronary artery. CABG is considered when there are multiple blockages, when stenting is not possible or fails, or when the anatomy is too complex. It helps restore blood flow to the compromised heart muscle.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Contraindications

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an effective treatment for advanced coronary artery disease, but it is not appropriate for all patients. Contraindications may occur when the surgical risk is too high, when the anatomy or the general prognosis limits the benefit, or when CABG is unlikely to enhance cardiac perfusion. Below are the major contraindications to CABG surgery:

• Severe comorbidities
• Coronary arteries incompatible with grafting
• Absence of viable myocardium to graft
• Hemodynamically stable patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without ischemia
• Asymptomatic patients who are at low risk of myocardial infarction or death
• Patients experience little benefit from coronary revascularisation
• Patients with a recent major stroke 
• Elderly patients
• Patient refusal

Severe comorbidities:  CABG surgery is not used in patients with severe systemic comorbidities such as advanced chronic kidney disease, advanced liver failure, end-stage lung disease, or uncontrolled sepsis because these conditions significantly increase operative mortality and postoperative complications.

Coronary arteries incompatible with grafting:  CABG requires suitable target vessels for grafts. Diffusely diseased, small-calibre, severely calcified, or chronically occluded distal coronary vessels may not be graftable or yield successful revascularisation outcomes.

Absence of viable myocardium to graft:  If myocardial tissue is nonviable (scarred or dead), revascularisation will not improve function or symptoms. CABG is not beneficial in such cases because restoring blood flow to nonfunctional myocardium offers no medical advantage.

Hemodynamically stable after PCI without ischemia:  Stable patients who have undergone successful PCI and have no residual ischemia do not benefit from CABG, since the primary goal of CABG is to relieve ischemia and improve perfusion.

Asymptomatic patients at low risk of myocardial infarction or death:  CABG is not indicated in asymptomatic patients with non-critical coronary lesions and a low ischemic burden because surgical revascularisation does not improve survival or prevent myocardial infarction in this group.

Patients experiencing little benefit from coronary revascularisation:  When the potential clinical benefits, such as symptom relief, improved survival, or quality of life, are minimal, CABG is contraindicated because the risks of surgery, including morbidity and mortality, outweigh the benefits.

Patients with a recent major stroke:  A major stroke within the last 2–4 weeks can increase the risk of perioperative neurological deterioration, haemorrhagic transformation, and mortality. CABG requires cardiopulmonary bypass, anticoagulation, and aortic manipulation, all of which can worsen a recent brain injury.

Elderly patients:  Advanced age alone is not an absolute contraindication; elderly patients (over 75-85 years) have increased perioperative morbidity and mortality, prolonged recovery time, and higher complication rates after the surgery. The presence of comorbidities common among older people further increases the risk, so CABG must be considered cautiously.

Patient refusal:  Patient autonomy is fundamental in medical decision-making. CABG is contraindicated if the patient refuses consent after understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives to surgery.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a highly effective revascularisation procedure for patients with significant or complex coronary artery disease, especially when medical therapy or angioplasty with stenting does not provide adequate relief. CABG bypass surgery helps to restore blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked arteries, thereby improving heart function, reducing symptoms, and enhancing long-term survival. 

Below are the key advantages of coronary artery bypass graft surgery: 

• Improved blood flow 
• Relieves the symptoms 
• Improved survival and reduced mortality
• Lower rates of myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularisation
• Prolongation of life
• Enhanced quality of life
• Improved physical activity

Improved blood flow:  CABG makes a new route for blood to reach the heart muscle by bypassing blocked coronary arteries. This restores regular blood supply to areas that were previously deprived of oxygen. As a result, the heart receives continuous, reliable perfusion, reducing the risk of ischemia and preventing further myocardial damage.

Relieves the symptoms:  The procedure significantly reduces angina, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue by relieving ischemia and enabling patients to engage in everyday activities without discomfort.

Improved survival and reduced mortality:  CABG has been shown to improve long-term survival, especially in patients with multivessel disease, left main coronary artery disease, diabetes, or reduced ventricular function. By addressing multiple blockages at once, the surgery prevents future lethal cardiac events and reduces overall cardiac mortality.

Lower rates of myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularisation:  In comparison to angioplasty and stenting, CABG provides more long-term benefits, including graft patency. This lowers the risk of future heart attacks and minimises the need for additional operations. Bypass grafts keep blood flowing for years, giving long-term protection against recurrent ischemia.

Prolongation of life:  CABG has been proven to improve long-term survival, especially in high-risk groups such as patients with Left main coronary artery disease, Three-vessel disease, impaired left ventricular function, and stenosis in the proximal third of the left anterior descending artery. By restoring blood flow to large portions of the heart, CABG decreases the chances of future heart attack, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, thus extending life expectancy.

Enhanced quality of life:  CABG surgery may lead to improvements in everyday functioning; some patients report better energy levels, fewer symptoms, and increased independence. Relief from angina and heart-related limitations allows individuals to live more comfortably and confidently.

Improved physical activity:  With adequate blood supply restored, the heart is able to support higher activity levels. Patients experience improved exercise tolerance, greater stamina, and the ability to continue their routine activities, hobbies, and work that were previously limited by cardiac symptoms.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery procedure steps include the following: 

Before coronary artery bypass graft surgery

• To ensure the patient is an appropriate candidate for CABG surgery, the cardiac surgeon and cardiology team perform a comprehensive medical evaluation. This includes medical history, physical examination, and review of heart-related tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, blood tests, and coronary angiography. Additional imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray or carotid ultrasound, are needed for surgical planning.
• Patients need to inform their doctor about all allergies, including medications, latex, iodine/contrast dye, and anaesthetics and provide a complete list of medications, including prescriptions, OTC drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines (especially blood thinners, NSAIDs, and certain herbal products) may need to be stopped before surgery, as advised by the medical team.
• Lifestyle changes may be advised before CABG. Reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and optimising control of diabetes or high blood pressure help improve healing and lower surgical risks.
• Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should inform their doctor, as pregnancy may affect surgical planning and anaesthesia decisions.
• Before the procedure, informed consent is taken after the surgeon explains the risks, benefits, alternatives, and recovery. Patients are asked to clarify any doubts before signing. 
• They are also instructed to fast from midnight before surgery and arrange transportation and home support for the postoperative period.
  

During coronary artery bypass graft surgery

• Anaesthesia and Monitoring: The patient is taken to the operating room, where identity and safety protocols are verified. They are positioned supine on the table, and general anaesthesia is administered through intubation, and monitoring (intravenous, arterial line, and Foley catheter) is inserted. The chest is prepped sterilely, followed by median sternotomy to expose the heart.
• Surgical Technique: The Surgeon may choose the technique based on the patient’s coronary anatomy, comorbidities, and surgical goals:
• On-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: In on-pump CABG, the heart is stopped, and a heart–lung machine maintains circulation, giving the surgeon a still, bloodless field for precise grafting. It is commonly used for multivessel or complex disease.
• Off-pump coronary bypass grafting: In off-pump CABG, the heart continues beating. Stabilising devices steady the target area, avoiding the heart–lung machine and potentially decreasing complications in select high-risk patients.
• Minimally invasive CABG: These options avoid full sternotomy. MIDCAB uses small chest incisions, robotic CABG uses robotic arms for precise grafting through tiny ports, and hybrid CABG combines surgical bypass with stenting for a customised revascularisation approach.
• Graft Harvesting: At the beginning of the surgery, the surgeon prepares the blood vessels (grafts) that are used to bypass blocked coronary arteries. Common sources are the internal mammary artery (IMA) from the chest, the saphenous vein from the legs, and the radial artery from the forearm. Harvesting can be done simultaneously while the chest is being prepared.
• Anticoagulation and Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): To keep blood from clotting during surgery, the patient is given an anticoagulant. Then the surgeon inserts cannulas into the aorta and right atrium, which are connected to the CPB machine to divert blood flow and cool the body if needed.
• Cardioplegia and Heart Arrest: To safely stop the heart, the surgical team infuses high-potassium cardioplegia solution (temporarily stops the heart) to arrest the heart, providing the surgeon a still field for anastomosis. Additional doses of cardioplegia are given at intervals to protect the heart muscle during the operation.
• Graft Anastomosis: The surgeon then sews the proximal end of the graft to the aorta (or leaves the arterial graft attached) and the distal end to the coronary artery beyond blockage. In a quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery, the surgeon repeats this process to create four separate flow channels to the heart muscle. 
• Weaning from Bypass and Closure: Once all grafts are in place, the heart is restarted slowly (sometimes with gentle electrical shocks if needed). The team then slowly reduces the support from the heart-lung machine until the heart is functioning on its own. The anticoagulant is reversed using an anticoagulant reversal agent. The surgeon closes the sternum with metal wires, chest drains are placed to remove fluid, and the surgical incision is closed in layers.
  

After CABG Surgery 

CABG surgery post op care includes:

Recovery room monitoring: Patients are observed for vital signs stability, bleeding, and pain control in the post-anaesthesia care unit. The breathing tube remains in place starting and is removed once the patient is stable and breathing adequately on their own.

Pain management: Pain control is important for recovery and effective breathing. Intravenous fluid and pain medications are provided immediately after surgery, transitioning to oral analgesics as tolerated.

Cardiac monitoring and medication: Continuous ECG monitoring is performed to detect arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Patients may receive Beta-blockers, Antiplatelet therapy, statins, and other heart medications.

Wound and Chest Tube Care: Chest tubes help drain fluid around the heart and lungs and are removed once output decreases. The sternotomy and graft-harvest sites are checked daily, with clean, dry dressings and infections monitoring.

Activity and Mobility: Early mobilisation starts the day after surgery, including standing, sitting, and short-assisted walks. Precautions, like avoiding heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling, are followed for six to eight weeks. Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after discharge.

Hospital Stay: Most patients stay 5–7 days in the hospital, with 1–2 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) before moving to a step-down unit. Discharge is planned once breathing, mobility, vital signs, and pain control are stable.

Follow-Up Care: Patients are usually scheduled for follow-up within 1–2 weeks after discharge to assess wound healing, heart rhythm, medications, and rehabilitation progress. Sutures or staples may be removed during this visit.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a widely performed and generally safe surgery, but as with any major heart operation, some complications can occur. These complications may appear immediately after surgery or during long-term follow-up. Their risk depends on age, general health, pre-existing diseases, and the complexity of heart disease. The common complications of CABG surgery are:

• Bleeding during or after the surgery
• Infection at the incision site
• Stroke
• Respiratory complications
• Saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure
• Postoperative renal dysfunction
• Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF)
• Perioperative death

Bleeding during or after the surgery:  CABG requires opening the chest and attaching graft vessels, which can lead to bleeding during or after surgery. Some patients may need blood transfusions or even a return to the operating room if bleeding is severe.

Infection at the incision site:  As any surgical incision carries the risk of infection, but CABG involves a large sternal wound, making infection possible at the chest incision or the leg/arm graft-harvest site. Some of the factors like diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and prolonged duration of surgery can increase the risk.

Stroke:  Stroke complicates 1-2% of CABG procedures because plaque or small clots can dislodge from the aorta during surgery, reducing blood flow to the brain. Older age and pre-existing vascular disease may further increase this risk.

Respiratory complications:  CABG surgery risks may affect breathing due to anaesthesia, chest incision pain, and temporary lung collapse during surgery. Patients may develop pneumonia, atelectasis (lung collapse), or difficulty breathing after the procedure.

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure:  Vein grafts taken from the leg can gradually narrow or become blocked due to thrombosis or atherosclerosis. SVG failure can occur early (days to weeks) from clotting or late (years later) due to plaque buildup.

Postoperative renal dysfunction:  The stress of surgery, the use of a heart-lung bypass machine, and acute blood pressure fluctuations can all affect kidney function. Some patients may develop acute kidney injury (AKI), especially those with pre-existing kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced age.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF):  Atrial fibrillation is the most common rhythm disturbance after CABG surgery. Inflammation, heart stress, and post-surgery changes in electrolytes can trigger irregular and rapid heartbeats.

Perioperative death:  CABG surgery is generally safe, but there is still a small risk of death during or shortly after the surgery. This risk depends on the patient's age, heart function, number of blocked arteries, and presence of other diseases such as diabetes or kidney failure.

Coronary artery bypass surgery recovery generally takes 6 to 12 weeks for a full recovery, with most patients staying in the hospital for about a week after surgery. The recovery process includes several phases that emphasise physical healing, symptom management, and long-term lifestyle changes to support heart health. While the speed of recovery differs for each person, early movement, breathing exercises, and cardiac rehabilitation are important parts of the process.

By 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery, many patients drive short distances, return to desk work, and engage in supervised exercise, marking about 50-70% recovery of pre-morbid function. Full recovery to 80-90% of healthy cardiac capacity typically occurs by 3-6 months, supported by lifestyle changes and follow-up monitoring.

What questions can patients ask the healthcare team about CABG surgery?

• When can I go home after the surgery?
• When is my next follow-up visit, and what tests will I need?
• How long will it take for my breastbone (sternum) to heal completely?
• What activities can I safely do in the first few weeks after surgery?
• What medications do I need to continue long-term and why?
• How should I take care of my chest incision and leg/arm graft site?
• What signs of infection should prompt immediate medical attention?
• When should I start cardiac rehabilitation, and what will it include?
• What diet should I follow to protect my heart and grafts?
• What habits should I avoid to prevent graft blockage or recurrent heart disease?

CABG Surgery Survival Rate

CABG vs open heart surgery

Understanding the difference between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and open-heart surgery is essential, as the two terms are often used interchangeably even though they are not the same. CABG is a specific type of heart surgery performed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, while open-heart surgery is a general term that includes any major operation in which the chest is opened and the heart is directly operated on.

Below are some key parameters that show the difference between CABG and open-heart surgery:

The cost of Bypass Surgery in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹2,00,000 to ₹4,80,000 (approx. US $2,410 – US $5,780).

The exact CABG surgery cost varies depending on factors such as the number of blocked coronary arteries, whether a single, double, triple, or quadruple bypass is required, the surgical technique used (on-pump or off-pump beating-heart surgery), patient risk profile, surgeon expertise, ICU stay, and hospital infrastructure — including cashless treatment options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and assistance with medical insurance wherever applicable.

Cost Breakdown According to Type of CABG Surgery

• Single Vessel CABG (Single Bypass) – ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,80,000 (US $2,410 – US $3,375)
• Double Vessel CABG – ₹2,40,000 – ₹3,40,000 (US $2,890 – US $4,090)
• Triple Vessel CABG – ₹2,90,000 – ₹4,20,000 (US $3,495 – US $5,060)
• Quadruple Vessel CABG – ₹3,40,000 – ₹4,80,000 (US $4,090 – US $5,780)
• Off-Pump CABG (Beating Heart Surgery) – ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,20,000 (US $3,010 – US $5,060)
• Redo / Revision CABG Surgery – ₹3,50,000 – ₹4,80,000 (US $4,210 – US $5,780)

What is CABG surgery?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgery used to improve blood flow to the heart when the arteries supplying it become severely blocked. Surgeons take a healthy blood vessel from the leg, arm, or chest and make a new path for blood to reach the heart muscle. This helps relieve chest pain, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of a heart attack. CABG is commonly recommended when medicines or stents are not enough.

Why is CABG performed?

Who needs coronary artery bypass grafting surgery?

Patients with advanced coronary artery disease need CABG, especially those with multiple blocked arteries or blockage of the main heart artery. It is commonly advised for people with diabetes, weak heart function, or ongoing chest pain despite taking medication. Patients who do not benefit from stents or have complex artery disease are also candidates for the surgery.

Is CABG open-heart surgery?

Yes. CABG is generally considered an open-heart surgery because it requires opening the chest bone (sternum) to reach the heart. In most cases, the heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart–lung machine is utilised to maintain blood flow. Some patients may have "off-pump" or minimally invasive CABG, where the chest opening is smaller, but the standard method is still classified as open-heart surgery.

How is CABG surgery done?

In CABG surgery, after anaesthesia, an incision is made down the chest, and the breastbone is divided to reach the heart. The surgeon then uses healthy vessels from the chest, arm or leg to connect before and after blocked arteries, creating detours for blood. The heart may be stopped temporarily while a machine keeps blood flowing during the procedure.

What are the complications after CABG surgery

After CABG surgery, complications may occur, such as bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeat, stroke, kidney problems, wound issues, and lung complications. Some patients may experience memory or concentration problems for a short time. Rare but serious risks include heart attack and graft failure. These complications occur because CABG is a major surgery involving the heart, blood vessels, and chest bone.

Explain the recovery time in phases after CABG surgery?

Is CABG a major surgery?

Yes, CABG is considered a major surgery because it requires opening the chest, stopping the heart in many cases, and using a heart-lung machine. Recovery can take several weeks, and risks are significant compared to minor procedures, making pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery care very important.

What home care is recommended after heart bypass surgery?

How to prepare for CABG surgery?

Preparation for CABG surgery involves preoperative tests like blood work, heart scans, and imaging. Patients will receive instructions on fasting, medications, and stopping smoking. The hospital stay typically starts on the day of surgery, when the care team prepares the patient with anaesthesia and monitoring before the procedure.

What are the different types of heart bypass surgical techniques?

How long to wait for elective surgery after CABG?

Non-cardiac surgery after CABG usually requires waiting until the patient is stable and has recovered sufficiently from the bypass surgery. This typically means waiting at least 100 days to allow the heart and chest to heal, but the exact time depends on individual recovery, overall health, and the urgency of the elective procedure.

How long does CABG surgery last?

The duration of CABG surgery lasts 3–6 hours, depending on how many arteries need to be bypassed, the overall health of the patient, and whether the surgery is done "on-pump" or "off-pump." More complex surgeries may take longer. The duration also includes preparation, anaesthesia, and careful monitoring during the operation. The goal of the surgery is to create safe and effective bypass routes to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Is shoulder pain common after CABG surgery?

Yes, shoulder and upper-back pain after CABG surgery are common. Pain occurs because the chest bone is opened during surgery, which strains the nearby muscles and nerves. Posture changes, limited movement, chest-tube placement, and sleeping discomfort can also cause pain. Mild exercises, physiotherapy, and proper pain control usually improve symptoms within a few weeks.

How do costs and recovery times vary for CABG procedures?

What are the long-term benefits and risks of bypass surgery?

How to take care after CABG surgery?

After CABG surgery, postoperative care such as keeping the incision clean, taking medicines regularly, and following breathing exercises. Walking daily, avoiding heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks, and attending cardiac rehabilitation are important. A heart-healthy diet, quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, and managing blood pressure help long-term recovery. Follow-up visits check wound healing, heart rhythm, and medication adjustments.

What insurance coverage can I expect for CABG surgery at PACE Hospitals, and what expenses may I need to pay out of pocket?

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