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    During coronary artery bypass graft surgery (also called CABG, or "cabbage") a blood vessel is removed or redirected from one area of the body and placed around the area or areas of narrowing to "bypass" the blockages and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. This vessel is called a graft.

    These substitute blood vessels can come from your chest, legs, or arms. They're safe to use because there are other pathways that take blood to and from those tissues. The surgeon will decide which graft(s) to use depending on the location of your blockage, the amount of blockage and the size of your coronary arteries.

    Heart bypass surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S.

    Which Blood Vessels Are Used for Grafts in Heart Bypass Surgery?

    There are several types of bypass grafts used for heart bypass surgery. The surgeon decides which graft(s) to use, based on the location of the blockage, the amount of blockage, and the size of the patient's coronary arteries.



    • Radial artery. There are two arteries in the lower part of the arm, the ulnar and radial arteries. Most people receive adequate blood flow to their arm from the ulnar artery alone and will not have any side effects if the radial artery is removed and used as a graft. Careful preoperative and intraoperative tests determine if the radial artery can be used. If you have certain conditions (such as Raynaud's, carpal tunnel syndrome, or painful fingers in cold air) you may not be a candidate for this type of bypass graft. The radial artery incision is in your forearm, about 2 inches from your elbow and ending about 1 inch from your wrist. If you have this type of bypass, you will probably be prescribed a medication called a calcium channel blocker for about six months after surgery to help keep the radial artery open. Some people report numbness in the wrist after surgery. However, long-term sensory loss or numbness is uncommon.


    It is common for three or four coronary arteries to be bypassed during surgery. A coronary artery bypass can be performed with traditional surgery (see below) or with minimally invasive surgery (see below). Your surgeon will review your diagnostic tests prior to your surgery to see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive bypass surgery.


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