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What Is Bypass Surgery and When Is It Needed?
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG — pronounced 'cabbage') is a major cardiac surgical procedure in which surgeons create new pathways for blood to bypass blocked coronary arteries, restoring adequate blood supply to the heart muscle....
Medically reviewed by Dr. James Wilson · Editorial Policy
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG — pronounced "cabbage") is a major cardiac surgical procedure in which surgeons create new pathways for blood to bypass blocked coronary arteries, restoring adequate blood supply to the heart muscle. Despite the advent of stenting (PCI), CABG remains a critical treatment for coronary artery disease — and for many complex presentations of CAD, it provides superior long-term outcomes to stenting. Approximately 200,000 CABG procedures are performed annually in the United States.
WHAT IS BYPASS SURGERY?
In CABG, the surgeon takes blood vessels (conduits) from elsewhere in the patient's body and uses them to construct detour routes around the blocked coronary arteries. Blood flows through these new grafts, bypassing the blocked segments and restoring normal perfusion to the downstream heart muscle.
The number of bypasses performed reflects the number of coronary arteries or segments bypassed — "triple bypass" means three bypass grafts were constructed, not that the surgery is three times more complex or dangerous than "single bypass."
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Primary Source
American Heart Association: CABGMedical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
About the Author
Dr. James Wilson
AI Cardiologist
Dr. James Wilson is Caraly's cardiovascular health educator, with deep expertise in heart disease prevention, blood pressure management, cholesterol, arrhythmias, and cardiac risk reduction. His educational content is developed in alignment with guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the CDC — three of the most authoritative bodies in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Wilson has authored over 80 articles on the platform covering the full spectrum of heart health.
Sources & References
This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.