Coronary artery bypass surgery is a procedure using segments of healthy arteries or veins from leg, arm or chest to divert oxygenated blood around obstructed coronary arteries to restore adequate blood flow to heart tissue. CABG is one of the most frequently performed operations in the United States, according to Wilson and colleagues in the January 2007 issue of "Health Affairs." CABG is just one of several methods of treating obstructed coronary arteries, but it is the preferred method of treatment for certain conditions.
Multi-Vessel Disease
MayoCinic.com reports one of the leading indications for coronary artery bypass is when more than one coronary artery has a severe blockage, particularly when accompanied by depressed function of the pumping chamber. In patients who have had prior angioplasty or stent implantation, particularly in multi-vessel disease, CABG also may offer a more permanent solution.
Left Main Disease
The left main coronary artery is the main artery that supplies blood to the left side of the heart as well as the back and portions of the bottom of the heart. It divides into the circumflex and the left anterior descending coronary arteries, two out of the three coronary arteries feeding the heart. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, when the left main coronary artery is blocked, it constitutes multi-vessel coronary artery disease and is an indication for coronary artery bypass surgery.
Controversial Indications
Rihal and colleagues in the January 2007 issue of "Circulation" reported that there may be a survival benefit from coronary bypass surgery in diabetic patients as well as in patients with single-vessel disease with pumping chamber failure. Clinical trials continue to investigate which treatment modality--CABG or percutaneous coronary interventions, such as angioplasty or stent implantation--offers the most benefit.
References
- "Health Affairs": U.S. Trends in CABG Hospital Volumes: The Effect of Adding Cardiac Surgery Programs; C. Wilson et. al.; January 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Coronary bypass surgery
- The Society of Thoracic Surgeons: CABG Information
- "Circulation": Indications for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Stable Angina; C. Rihal et. al.; Nov 2003
