Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a treatment option for coronary artery disease. Based on the size, number, and locations of artery blockages, your doctor may determine that CABG, often referred to as open-heart surgery, is the best treatment. Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery offers significant long-term advantages compared to medications and coronary stents, especially in patients with multiple blockages and/or diabetes.
Bridgeport Hospital offers advanced coronary bypass techniques including beating-heart (off-pump) surgery, multi-arterial grafting and minimally invasive port-access (keyhole).
Traditionally, coronary bypass surgery is performed using one arterial bypass (graft) and multiple vein grafts (vein harvested from the leg). Multiple studies have shown the long-term advantage of using arterial grafts, especially in younger patients and patients affected by diabetes. At Bridgeport Hospital we specialize in the use of multiple arterial grafts including the radial artery (from the arm) and right and left internal mammary arteries (from within the chest wall).
During beating-heart surgery, the heart and lungs continue to work normally vs. using a heart-lung machine which does the work of the heart and lungs. Technique advantages include a significant reduction in risk of stroke or cognitive impairment after surgery, reduced kidney failure risk and fewer bleeding complications. Patients typically have a shorter hospital stay and quicker return to day-to-day activities.
