What Is CABG (Heart Bypass Surgery)?
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG, commonly pronounced "cabbage") is an open-heart surgical procedure used to treat blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. The surgery restores blood flow to the heart muscle by creating a new pathway (bypass) around the blocked arteries using blood vessels taken from other parts of the body.
The blood vessels used as grafts are typically harvested from the chest wall (internal mammary artery), leg (saphenous vein), or arm (radial artery). These grafts are surgically attached above and below the blockage, allowing blood to "bypass" the diseased section and flow freely to the heart.
CABG vs Angioplasty (PCI)
While angioplasty with stenting is a less invasive alternative, CABG is often preferred for patients with multi-vessel disease, left main coronary artery disease, or diabetes with multi-vessel blockages. Your cardiologist will recommend the best approach based on the number and location of blockages, your overall heart function, and other health conditions.
Who Needs CABG Surgery?
CABG is typically recommended for patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) that cannot be effectively treated with medication or angioplasty alone. Your doctor may recommend CABG if you have:
- Triple vessel disease — blockages in all three major coronary arteries
- Left main coronary artery disease — significant narrowing of the main artery supplying the left side of the heart
- Failed angioplasty or stent — previous interventions that haven't resolved the blockage or have re-narrowed
- Diabetes with multi-vessel disease — diabetic patients generally have better long-term outcomes with CABG vs stenting
- Reduced heart function (low ejection fraction) — when the heart is pumping weakly due to ischemia
- Severe angina (chest pain) — that significantly impacts daily life despite maximal medical therapy
Types of CABG Surgery
There are several approaches to CABG, and the best option depends on your specific condition and the surgeon's expertise:
Traditional On-Pump CABG
The most established approach where the heart is temporarily stopped and a heart-lung machine takes over circulation. This gives the surgeon a still, bloodless field to work on. It remains the gold standard for complex multi-vessel bypass.
Off-Pump (Beating Heart) CABG
Performed while the heart is still beating, using specialized stabilizers. This avoids the heart-lung machine and may reduce certain complications like stroke, kidney injury, and cognitive decline — especially beneficial for elderly or high-risk patients.
Minimally Invasive CABG (MIDCAB)
Uses smaller incisions (5–8 cm) without opening the full breastbone. Suitable for single or double bypass in select patients. Offers faster recovery and less scarring but is not appropriate for all cases.
Robotic-Assisted CABG
The newest approach using robotic arms for enhanced precision through tiny incisions. Available at select advanced centres. Offers minimal scarring and potentially faster recovery, though long-term data is still being accumulated.
How CABG Is Performed
Understanding the step-by-step process can help ease anxiety about the surgery:
Risks & Complications
Like any major surgery, CABG carries risks. However, at experienced centres, complication rates are low. Potential risks include:
- Bleeding — may require blood transfusion; rarely, re-operation
- Infection — wound infection occurs in 1–3% of cases
- Stroke — risk is approximately 1–2%, higher in elderly patients
- Atrial fibrillation — temporary irregular heartbeat occurs in 20–30% of patients, usually resolves
- Kidney injury — temporary in most cases, especially with off-pump technique
- Cognitive changes — some patients report temporary memory or concentration difficulties
- Graft failure — long-term risk of graft narrowing over years
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from CABG is gradual. Here's what to expect:
CABG Cost Comparison by Country
One of the primary reasons patients travel abroad for CABG is the dramatic cost difference — without any compromise in quality. Here's how costs compare:
| Country | Avg. Cost (USD) | Hospital Stay | Savings vs USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | $70,000 – $200,000 | 7–10 days | — |
| 🇬🇧 UK (private) | $30,000 – $50,000 | 7–10 days | 50% |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | $18,000 – $25,000 | 5–7 days | 70% |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | $12,000 – $18,000 | 5–7 days | 80% |
| 🇮🇳 India | $5,000 – $8,000 | 5–7 days | 93% |
Where to Get CABG Surgery
Ginger Healthcare offers CABG surgery at JCI/NABH-accredited hospitals with internationally trained cardiac surgeons. Choose your preferred destination:
Frequently Asked Questions
A typical CABG takes 3–6 hours depending on the number of grafts (bypasses) being performed. A triple or quadruple bypass will take longer than a single or double bypass. You'll be under general anaesthesia throughout.
Yes — at accredited hospitals with experienced surgeons, outcomes are comparable to or better than many Western hospitals. India's top cardiac centres like Medanta, Fortis, and Apollo perform thousands of CABG procedures annually with success rates above 98%. Ginger Healthcare only partners with JCI or NABH-accredited hospitals.
We recommend staying 14–21 days after CABG surgery before taking a long-haul flight. This allows adequate recovery, wound healing, and completion of initial follow-up appointments. Your surgeon will clear you for air travel once they're satisfied with your recovery.
On-pump CABG uses a heart-lung machine to temporarily stop the heart during surgery, providing a still field. Off-pump (beating heart) CABG is performed while the heart continues beating using specialized stabilizers. Off-pump may reduce risks of stroke and kidney injury but requires high surgical expertise. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your case.
The number of bypasses depends on how many coronary arteries are blocked. Patients commonly need 2–4 bypasses (double, triple, or quadruple bypass). This will be determined by your cardiologist based on your coronary angiogram results.
Our all-inclusive packages typically cover: pre-surgery consultations and tests, surgery and anaesthesia fees, hospital stay (private room), ICU charges, medications during hospitalization, post-op follow-ups, airport pickup, local transport, language assistance, and a dedicated care manager. Visa support and accommodation bookings are also arranged by our team.