University of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Surgery: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

The coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. Coronary artery disease (CAD) can occur when fat and cholesterol build up inside the coronary arteries. This buildup causes the arteries to harden and become narrow. Eventually, blood flow to the heart slows or even stops. This can cause chest pain (angina) or a heart attack.

CAD is the most common form of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Many patients with CAD are treated with medication, lifestyle changes, or nonsurgical procedures to widen the arteries. However, if symptoms persist, it may be necessary to undergo a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation.

The CABG procedure uses blood vessels from other parts of your body to re-route blood around the diseased arteries. This improves blood flow to the heart, and can relieve chest pain or prevent a heart attack.