Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in Mumbai | SL Raheja Hospital

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a cardiac surgery used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) — the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai offers CABG surgery through its Cardiology programme, restoring blood flow to the heart when non-surgical options are not sufficient.

In CABG, a healthy blood vessel — taken from the leg, chest, or wrist — is grafted to bypass the blocked section of a coronary artery. This creates a new route for blood to reach the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart attack and relieving symptoms such as chest pain and breathlessness.

Who needs Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?

CABG is recommended when coronary artery disease causes significant blockages that cannot be adequately treated with medication or less invasive procedures such as angioplasty. Symptoms and conditions that may indicate the need for CABG include:

• Chest pain (angina) that is persistent or worsening
• Severe fatigue limiting daily activity
• Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest
• Palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms
• Swelling in the hands and feet due to reduced cardiac output
• Indigestion or discomfort that may be cardiac in origin
• Multiple or complex coronary artery blockages identified on imaging
• Reduced heart function where blood flow must be urgently restored
• Risk of heart attack due to critically narrowed coronary arteries

How is CABG performed at SL Raheja Hospital?

SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai follows a structured, clinically supervised pathway for CABG surgery. The process spans pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and immediate post-operative care.

1. Pre-operative assessment: A complete physical examination, blood tests, and diagnostic imaging are conducted. Medications that affect blood clotting (including aspirin and blood thinners) may be paused as directed by your surgeon.
2. Fasting and preparation: You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery, generally from midnight. A pre-operative antiseptic wash is typically required the night before and morning of surgery.
3. Anaesthesia and monitoring: General anaesthesia is administered. Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and breathing is maintained throughout. A breathing tube is placed once you are sedated.
4. Graft harvesting: The surgeon makes incisions in one or both legs or one wrist to harvest the blood vessel(s) to be used as grafts. These incisions are closed before the main procedure begins.
5. Chest opening: A central incision is made from just above the breastbone to just below the chest. The sternum is divided lengthwise and spread apart to expose the heart.
6. Bypass grafting (on-pump or off-pump): In on-pump CABG, the heart is temporarily stopped and a heart-lung bypass machine maintains circulation. In off-pump CABG, the heart continues beating while the target artery is stabilised. One end of the graft is sewn above the blockage and the other end below it, creating a new blood flow channel.
7. Graft verification: All completed grafts are carefully examined to confirm adequate blood flow before the chest is closed.
8. Chest closure: The sternum is rejoined with small wires. Drainage tubes are placed around the heart, and the skin is sutured and dressed.
9. Immediate post-operative monitoring: You are transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring of heart function, breathing, and fluid balance.

What types of CABG surgery are available?

CABG can be performed using different surgical approaches. The choice depends on the number and location of blockages, overall heart function, and individual patient factors. The main approaches are outlined below.

Your cardiac surgeon at SL Raheja Hospital will determine the most appropriate approach based on your coronary anatomy, overall health, and clinical findings.

What does recovery after CABG surgery involve?

Recovery from CABG is a gradual process that requires careful monitoring and adherence to aftercare instructions. The following milestones reflect a typical recovery pathway.

1. ICU stay (Days 1–2): Continuous monitoring of heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing. The ventilator is removed once you can breathe independently. Drainage tubes are removed as fluid output decreases.
2. Ward transfer (Days 2–4): Once stable, you are moved to a general cardiac ward. Oral medications are introduced and wound dressings are checked.
3. Hospital discharge (Days 5–7, typically): Most patients are discharged within one week, subject to clinical assessment. Detailed wound care, medication, and activity instructions are provided.
4. Wound and sternum healing (Weeks 1–6): The sternum takes approximately 6 weeks to heal. Avoid lifting heavy objects or driving during this period. Keep the incision site clean and dry.
5. Gradual return to activity (Weeks 4–8): Light walking is encouraged early. More strenuous activity is reintroduced progressively under medical guidance.
6. Cardiac rehabilitation: A structured rehabilitation programme supports heart recovery, improves fitness, and reduces the risk of future cardiac events. Your care team will advise on enrolment.
7. Follow-up appointments: Regular outpatient reviews are essential to monitor graft function, manage medications, and assess overall cardiac health.

What are the risks and considerations of CABG surgery?

As with all major cardiac surgery, CABG carries potential risks. Your surgical team at SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai will discuss these with you in detail before you sign a consent form. Known risks include:

• Bleeding during or after surgery
• Blood clots that may cause heart attack, stroke, or lung complications
• Infection at the incision site or within the chest
• Pneumonia or other breathing difficulties
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Kidney failure
• Pancreatitis
• Graft failure — the bypass vessel may not function as intended
• Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
• In rare cases, death

Individual risk levels vary depending on age, overall health, the number of blockages, and other medical conditions. Your care team will assess your specific risk profile and discuss any concerns before the procedure.

Who performs CABG surgery at SL Raheja Hospital?

CABG surgery at SL Raheja Hospital in Mumbai is performed by cardiac surgeons and supported by a multidisciplinary cardiology team. The team includes specialists in cardiac surgery, anaesthesiology, perfusion, and post-operative cardiac care.

For information about the specific surgeons and cardiologists available for your consultation, please use the booking form on this page or contact the hospital directly at info@rahejahospital.com. The team will match you with the appropriate specialist based on your clinical needs.

SL Raheja Hospital is located at Raheja Rugnalaya Marg, Mahim West, Mumbai — 400016.

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