A coronary artery bypass graft (a.k.a. CABG, "cabbage", "bypass") is a surgical procedure used to create conduits for blood to bypass the clogged coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle.  The obstruction in these arteries is usually caused by atherosclerosis (fat/cholesterol/etc).  It is used to treat coronary artery disease/angina, but is not necessarily a cure.  

Pre-Operative Details:

Your surgeon will give specific instructions before the surgery, including risks (i.e. bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, etc.).  Please make sure to contact your insurance company for coverage.  You will also meet with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery to go over your medical history.  Please do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery.  On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital, get registered, and get changed into a hospital gown.  A nurse will then review your chart to make sure there are no problems and then get all the paperwork in order for surgery.  The anesthesiologist will then start an IV and you will be taken to the operating room, where the surgeon will verify your name and procedure before any medication is given.  Once you are under anesthesia, surgery will begin.

Operative Details:

The surgeon will need to remove vein(s) from another part of the body to use on the heart, and these vessels are usually taken from the leg (saphenous vein) or arm (axillary vein) either by direct dissection (large incision) or endoscopically (using tiny incisions and camera).  The surgeon will the open the chest via the breastbone/sternum.  Upon reaching the heart, the surgeon has two options either stop the heart (on-pump) or leave the heart beating (off-pump).  If the surgeon decides to stop the heart, a cardiopulmonary bypass (pump) will be attached, allow blood to be pumped to the patient's body without using the heart and lungs.  The surgeon will then attach the veins in front and behind the clotted area of the coronary arteries (grafting).  Once he is done, the chest will be closed.  If the patient is on bypass, the surgeon will remove the bypass and restart the heart.  The breastbone will be closed using wires, and the skin will be closed using stitches.  

Post-Operative Details:

After the surgery, you will be taken to the the intensive care unit and be monitored.  You will likely experience pain and will given pain medication appropriately.  You may also be on a respirator for up to a day to help out with breathing.  It is important to keep the incision areas clean and dry.  The length of your hospital stay depends on how quickly you are able to recover and perform some physical activity.  If you experience fevers, severe pain, redness/swelling/warmth where the incisions were made, or drainage from the incisions, please let your doctor know immediately.  Your surgeon will give specific instructions about recovery time.