The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that branch from the base of the aorta and supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. The heart relies on these fuels as it works constantly to pump blood through the body. The heart never rests like the other muscles in the body, and it demands a constant supply of fuel day and night.

Any disease that blocks the coronary arteries can cause serious, or even fatal, complications. The term “ischemic heart disease” refers to when the heart does not get enough oxygen because of blockages or obstructions in the coronary arteries. When the heart is sufficiently ischemic (when the shortage of oxygen is critical enough), the muscle can die. This is a “heart attack” or myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery bypass grafting or “CABG” (often pronounced “cabbage”) is the most commonly performed “open heart” operation in the United States. Cardiothoracic surgeons perform the procedure to bypass blockages or obstructions of the coronary arteries.

The indications for CABG were first defined by the results of the Coronary Artery Surgery Study or CASS. Cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists performed the study in the early days of bypass surgery. It showed a survival advantage for patients undergoing surgery who had disease of the left main coronary artery and those with disease of all three major coronary arteries as well as abnormal function of the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle. CABG may also be indicated in other specific circumstances, or when an individual patient is experiencing angina pectoris that cannot be controlled with medicines alone. The most important thing to keep in mind is that coronary artery disease is complex and every patient’s specific situation is different.

This information is not an alternative to direct communication with your health care providers. We hope it will help you to start a dialogue that will lead to the best option for you or your loved one.