Bypass Surgery /
CABG

Advanced coronary artery bypass surgery for blocked heart arteries with a focus on safety, precision, and recovery.

About Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a procedure to restore proper blood flow to the heart. A healthy blood vessel from another part of your body is used to create a new path around the blocked coronary artery, ensuring oxygen-rich blood reaches the heart muscle.

Why CABG is Recommended

CABG is advised when coronary arteries are severely narrowed or blocked and other treatments may not be enough:

Severe blockages in two or more coronary arteries
Chest pain or angina not controlled with medicines
Blocked left main artery or multiple blockages
Large area of the heart at risk of damage

Benefits of Bypass Surgery

Improves blood flow to the heart muscle
Relieves chest pain and improves quality of life
Reduces the risk of suffering a heart attack
Improves heart function and physical stamina
Long-term relief with proven survival benefits

Surgical Approach

CABG is usually performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon uses healthy blood vessels from the chest (like the internal mammary artery), arm (radial artery) or leg (saphenous vein) to create new bypass grafts that route blood around the blocked arteries and restore normal flow.

Recovery After Surgery

ICU monitoring for 1–2 days
Hospital stay typically 5–7 days
Gradual return to activities in 4–6 weeks
Guided rehab & follow-up for long-term health

When do you need Bypass Surgery?

Certain symptoms and medical situations point to CABG as the safest option to restore blood supply to your heart.

Persistent Chest Pain (Angina)

Severe chest pain or pressure that occurs even during minimal physical exertion or while resting, despite taking cardiac medications regularly.

Multiple Blocked Arteries

Widespread narrowing in two or more major coronary arteries, which significantly cuts off nutrient-rich blood supply to large parts of the heart.

Risk of Heart Attack or Failure

Severe blockages in critical regions (such as the Left Main Coronary Artery) that present a high risk of causing massive heart failure or sudden heart attacks.

Reduced Quality of Life

Severe limitations in physical activity due to rapid breathlessness, fatigue, and chest discomfort during simple daily routines like walking.

How are coronary blockages diagnosed?

A **Coronary Angiography** is the gold standard diagnostic tool to identify blockages. It provides a visual map of your heart's blood supply. Based on the angiography findings, the number of blockages, and your left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF - pumping power), Dr. Amjad will carefully formulate a recommended treatment pathway.

The Surgical Options

Cardiac bypass surgery has evolved significantly. Depending on your health, blockages, and anatomy, Dr. Amjad utilizes advanced techniques tailored for you:

Advanced Choice

Beating Heart Surgery (Off-Pump)

Performed while the heart continues to beat naturally, without using a heart-lung machine. It results in fewer post-op complications, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery.

Conventional Bypass (On-Pump)

The heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over circulation. Used in specific complex blockages and anatomical situations where maximum stability is needed.

Detailed Recovery Timeline

Days 1–2: Intensive Care (ICU)

Close monitoring of vital signs, heart rhythm, and oxygen levels. Breathing tubes are usually removed within hours, and patients are assisted to sit up.

Days 3–7: Ward Recovery

Transferred to a private recovery room. You will walk short distances with assistance, perform deep breathing exercises, and start a light heart-healthy diet.

Weeks 2–4: Transitioning Home

Daily light walking at home, keeping the breastbone stable by avoiding lifting anything over 5kg. Regular wound dressing checks and medications management.

Weeks 6–12: Cardiac Rehabilitation

Enrolling in a customized exercise program to rebuild stamina and muscle strength under medical supervision. Full recovery is achieved at 12 weeks.

Need a Second Opinion
Before Heart Surgery?

Share your angiography and reports with Dr. Amjad. He will review them personally and guide you with the best possible treatment options.

Request Second Opinion

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most common questions regarding Bypass Surgery (CABG).

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart in people with severe coronary artery disease. A healthy blood vessel (usually taken from your chest, leg, or arm) is grafted to bypass the blocked portion of the coronary artery, creating a new pathway for oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart muscle.

Bypass surgery is typically recommended when you have severe blockages in the left main coronary artery, blockages in multiple arteries (triple vessel disease), severe chest pain (angina) that doesn't improve with medication, or if you have previously had a heart attack and suffer from reduced heart pump function.

While CABG is a major surgical procedure, it is one of the most commonly performed and highly studied surgeries in the world. In the hands of an experienced cardiac surgeon like Dr. Amjad, the success rate is exceptionally high (over 98%). The surgical team performs thorough pre-operative evaluations to minimize any risks.

Typically, patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days, including 1 to 2 days in the ICU for close monitoring. The initial recovery at home takes about 4 to 6 weeks, during which you should avoid lifting heavy objects. Most patients can return to normal light activities, driving, and work within 6 to 8 weeks, with full physical recovery around 3 months.

Yes, bypass surgery restores blood flow but does not cure the underlying coronary artery disease. You will need to take daily medications (such as blood thinners like aspirin, statins to control cholesterol, and beta-blockers) to keep the bypass grafts healthy, control blood pressure, and protect your heart over the long term.

Bypass Surgery / CABG