When is CABG indicated for a patient?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure aimed at improving blood supply to the heart muscle when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked. The indication for CABG revolves around the severity and extent of coronary artery disease.

In cases of extensive multivessel disease or left main coronary artery disease, CABG is particularly indicated because these conditions pose a significant risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications. The left main coronary artery supplies a large portion of blood to the heart, so its obstruction can have critical consequences. Furthermore, multivessel disease suggests that multiple areas of the heart are ischemic, making revascularization through CABG an effective strategy to restore proper blood flow and improve outcomes.

The other scenarios, such as single vessel disease, failed medication therapy, and a history of heart attack, may not automatically qualify a patient for CABG. For instance, single vessel disease might be managed with percutaneous interventions like angioplasty or stenting. Similarly, while medication therapy is crucial, its failure does not mean that CABG is the next step; rather, it would depend on the overall clinical picture and specifics of the disease. A history of heart attack alone may also necessitate closer evaluation but does not directly indicate CABG