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Intermediate Technical IVT

CABG

Pronunciation: CAB-ij

Also written as: CABG — Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Coronary artery bypass grafting, a surgical procedure using grafts to reroute blood around blocked coronary arteries. Pronounced 'cabbage' in clinical settings.

Full Definition

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a cardiac surgical procedure that creates alternative pathways for blood flow to the myocardium when coronary arteries are significantly stenosed or occluded. The procedure involves harvesting grafts from the patient's own vessels (typically internal mammary artery, saphenous vein, or radial artery) and connecting them to coronary arteries beyond the point of blockage. CABG can be performed on-pump with cardiopulmonary bypass or off-pump on a beating heart. The procedure is considered the gold standard for revascularization in complex coronary artery disease.

Usage

Usage note: Pronounce as 'cabbage' in verbal communication; spell out in formal documentation.

In Context

  • "The patient underwent four-vessel CABG with excellent postoperative recovery." — Operative report
  • "Given the complexity of the coronary anatomy, the heart team recommended CABG over percutaneous intervention." — Multidisciplinary team note

Also known as

coronary artery bypass grafting bypass surgery coronary bypass

Contrasted with

medical management percutaneous intervention

Don't confuse with

PCI PTCA angioplasty

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