Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What is coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Coronary heart disease is when plaque (fatty deposits) builds up on the walls of the arteries that supply your heart muscle with blood. This narrowing of the arteries can cause chest discomfort (angina) and/or breathlessness. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is when healthy blood vessels from elsewhere in your body are transferred and grafted to your heart. This allows blood to be diverted around blocked or narrowed arteries to improve the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart.

What are the benefits of coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Successful surgery will reduce your symptoms from coronary heart disease such as angina and shortness of breath, as well as improve your quality of life. This type of surgery also reduces the risk of future heart attacks. For patients with severe coronary artery disease, CABG may improve your life expectancy.

Is coronary artery bypass graft surgery right for me?

Your consultant will only recommend coronary artery bypass graft surgery if conservative methods to treat your angina have not been successful, or due to the location of the narrowed artery other treatments are not appropriate.

What happens during coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

Healthy arteries or veins are taken from another part of your body, usually your arm, leg or chest wall and are used to bypass the narrowed or blocked coronary artery. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and is usually an open procedure that involves cutting through your breast bone. Your breast bone will be closed with wires once the procedure is finished.

Recovery from coronary artery bypass graft surgery

After your operation, you will be transferred to the cardiac intensive-care unit or high-dependency unit, usually for 24 hours, and then to a ward. You will be supported to get out of bed the day after your operation. Your length of hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery performed and your recovery.

You will be advised on how to gradually increase your activity levels once home. You are advised not to drive for one month after your surgery, although there is no requirement to inform DVLA.

Why choose Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital for your coronary artery bypass graft surgery?

At Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, our experienced cardiothoracic surgeons specialise in coronary artery bypass graft surgery and can provide you with quick access to treatment. During a consultation, our consultants will discuss your treatment options and recommend the most effective and least invasive procedure possible for your condition.

To enhance your time spent in the hospital and patient experience, all our consultants are fully supported by our attentive matron-led nursing team. Our nursing staff pride themselves on providing unrivalled comfort and first-class care. Our team of specialist physiotherapists will provide expert treatment, rehabilitation and advice during your hospital stay. Your length of hospital stay will depend on the level of surgery performed and your recovery.

Our cardiac rehabilitation team will introduce themselves to you during your hospital stay and contact you soon after discharge to support your early recovery. You will be invited to take part in a cardiac rehabilitation programme of supervised exercise and health education, with support to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of further heart problems.

How to book a consultation with our cardiothoracic surgeons at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital

You are likely to be referred to our cardiothoracic surgeons by your cardiologist. You can also book a consultation to see one of our cardiothoracic surgeons. Simply call our dedicated hospital enquiry team on 020 3386 9006 and they will book you a consultation at a time and date convenient for you.

Alternatively, if you are unsure about the consultation process or surgery, our enquiry team will be more than happy to answer your questions.