CABG is a surgical treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD). During
a CABG, an incision is made on the chest and extended down through the
sternum (breast bone) to allow the surgeon to visualize the heart. The
surgeon then mobilizes a healthy artery from the chest wall (mammary artery)
and removes vein(s) from the leg. These vessels will be sewn into the
native arteries on the heart to bypass the affected vessels. This creates
a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle. After surgery,
you will spend 1-2 days in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Average
total length of stay after this surgery is 4-7 days.
Pre-op CABG routine: Before your surgery, your surgeon will see and examine you as well as
review all pertinent labs, imaging, and tests. You will have ample opportunity
to ask questions and gain a full understanding of the nature of your disease
process and the surgery to treat that disease. You will have lab tests,
lung function tests, EKG, and chest x-ray prior to surgery. Before surgery,
it is very important for you to practice getting around without using
your arms to lift, push, or pull anything greater than 10 pounds. This
will be the main restriction placed upon you after your surgery. Practice
getting out of a car, up and down out of bed and chairs without using
your arms. Your preoperative instructions will be provided to you in office.
Follow them, and call the office with any needs or concerns.
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