CABG
Pronunciation: CAB-guh
Also written as: CABG — coronary artery bypass graft
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a procedure creating alternate routes around blocked coronary arteries using vessel grafts.
Full Definition
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a major cardiac surgical procedure that creates new pathways around severely narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Surgeons use grafts from the patient's own vessels (internal mammary artery, saphenous vein, radial artery) or synthetic materials to bypass the obstruction and restore blood flow to the myocardium. The procedure can be performed on-pump (with cardiopulmonary bypass) or off-pump (beating heart surgery). CABG remains the gold standard for revascularization in complex, multi-vessel coronary artery disease and provides excellent long-term outcomes when performed by experienced surgical teams.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in patient communications; distinguish from other cardiac surgical procedures.
In Context
- "The patient is scheduled for triple-vessel CABG next week." — Surgical consultation note
- "Post-CABG imaging showed patent grafts with good flow." — Follow-up imaging report