Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is a highly effective treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or hardened. While angioplasty and stenting are common treatments, clinical studies have shown that bypass surgery remains the preferred and most durable treatment for certain patients, including those with diabetes or triple-vessel disease.
As part of the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute, our cardiac surgery programs at Hartford Hospital and St. Vincent's Medical Center are united by the same evidence-based protocols, rigorous safety guidelines, and commitment to the highest national standards of surgical care.
The Advantage of Using Arteries for Bypass Surgery
An important part of bypass surgery is choosing the blood vessel, called a conduit, that will reroute blood flow around a blocked artery.
Traditional bypass surgery often uses veins from the leg. Our surgeons specialize in using arterial conduits, which offer better long-term results and improved survival.
Across our system, we use arterial grafts more often than national averages. Our surgeons routinely use multiple arterial conduits, usually at least two, to provide durable results. These arteries stay open longer than saphenous veins or stents, reducing the need for future procedures.
Common arterial conduits include:
- Left Internal Thoracic Artery (LITA): Used in most of our bypass surgeries because of its exceptional durability.
- Right Internal Thoracic Artery (RITA): Often used together with the LITA to provide total arterial revascularization.
- Radial Artery: Taken from the forearm and used as an additional arterial bypass.
Advanced Revascularization for Long-Term Health
The use of multiple arterial grafts can be especially helpful for younger patients and those with a long life expectancy.
By using these durable conduits, our integrated surgical team aims to reduce the need for future operations or additional catheter-based procedures and provide a reliable solution for complex coronary artery disease.