Ask for a Referral

You’ll need a referral from your cardiologist to make an appointment with a cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgeon. If you have questions, call 703.558.6491.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG)

Get advanced coronary artery disease treatment from a cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgeon at VHC Health.

What’s Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

CAD occurs when your coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed from plaque (fatty deposits) buildup. Narrowing of the arteries makes it hard for blood, oxygen and nutrients to flow to your heart and the rest of your body.

Over time, narrowed arteries can become hardened and blocked, preventing blood flow and weakening the heart muscle. This can cause serious heart problems like chest pain, heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Who Needs Surgery for CAD?

Your cardiologist may refer you to a cardiovascular surgeon if your CAD does not improve with medical treatment or coronary stenting. First, your cardiologist will order a cardiac catheterization to decide if you need surgical treatment.

What to Expect from CABG Surgery

CABG is a surgical procedure to treat blocked coronary arteries. Before surgery, you’ll get general anesthesia. Your surgeon will start by taking a healthy vein from another part of your body (usually leg or chest) for your bypass.

Then you’ll be on a heart/lung bypass machine to maintain blood circulation and oxygen in your body temporarily. At the same time, your surgeon uses the bypass vein to create a new route for blood to flow around the blockage. CABG surgery usually takes four to five hours to complete.

After CABG Surgery

You’ll be in the intensive care unit for close observation after surgery. As your recovery progresses, you’ll move to the cardiovascular step-down unit for three to four days.

Before leaving the hospital, your care team will make sure you can walk normally and eat regular food.