Coronary artery disease is caused by the development of plaques within the arteries that supply blood flow to the heart. These plaques, composed of fat and cholesterol, narrow and eventually completely block the artery. This limits the amount of blood flow to that portion of the heart and can result in a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery re-routes the blood flow past the blocked arteries, providing fresh blood supply to the muscle of the heart. Arteries from the chest wall (mammary artery) and arms (radial artery) or veins from the legs (saphenous vein) are used as bypass grafts for the new blood supply.
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a very effective and durable treatment for coronary artery disease. The operation is particularly beneficial for patients with multiple blockages, those with diabetes, and for individuals with heart failure or weakened heart function. Certain patients may be eligible for less invasive CAB procedures with smaller incisions or combined with other types of procedures.