What is Bypass Surgery (CABG)? A Complete Guide

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, commonly called CABG or "bypass surgery," is one of the most commonly performed open-heart surgeries in the world. It is performed to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) — a condition where fatty plaques (atherosclerosis) block or narrow the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

During CABG, a healthy blood vessel (graft) is taken from another part of the body — usually the leg (saphenous vein), chest wall (internal mammary artery), or arm (radial artery) — and used to create a new pathway around the blocked artery. This restores adequate blood flow to the heart muscle.

Who Needs Bypass Surgery?

CABG is typically recommended when:

The Beating Heart Technique — Dr. Sharma's Specialty

Traditional bypass surgery is performed with the heart stopped and the patient on a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass). While effective, this carries risks including stroke, cognitive effects, and kidney issues.

Dr. Sharma performs **75% of his CABG surgeries on a beating heart** (off-pump CABG), where the heart continues to beat throughout surgery using specialized stabilizers. Benefits include:

With over **5,000 CABG surgeries** performed, Dr. Sharma is one of the most experienced bypass surgeons in Rajasthan.

What to Expect

**Before surgery:** Patients undergo thorough investigations including angiography, echocardiogram, and blood work.

**Surgery duration:** 3–5 hours depending on the number of grafts.

**Hospital stay:** 5–7 days for uncomplicated cases.

**Recovery:** Most patients return to light activities within 4–6 weeks and full activity by 3 months.

Book a Consultation

If you have been told you need bypass surgery, or have symptoms of coronary artery disease, consult Dr. R.K. Sharma at Eternal Hospital, Jaipur. Call **+91-7231044444** or visit during OPD hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.