Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG)
A patient and family guide, Lucknow

Told you need bypass surgery? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) creates new routes for blood to reach the heart muscle around blocked arteries. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, the cardiac surgery and cardiology teams plan the operation together and support you from the first test to recovery at home.

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NABH-accredited hospital M.Ch (CTVS) cardiac surgeon Cardiac ICU support 24×7 heart emergency

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About the surgery

What is heart bypass surgery?

The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart muscle. When they become narrowed or blocked by fatty plaque, the heart does not get enough oxygen, causing chest pain, breathlessness or a heart attack. In bypass surgery, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from your chest, leg or arm and joins it above and below the blockage, so blood can flow around it.

  • Planned by a cardiac surgeon and cardiologist together
  • Grafts from the chest wall artery, leg vein or arm artery
  • Done on-pump (heart-lung machine) or off-pump (beating heart), depending on your heart
  • Close monitoring in the cardiac ICU after surgery
  • Cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up

Relieves symptoms

Less chest pain and breathlessness for many patients.

Protects the heart

Improves blood supply to heart muscle at risk.

Several blockages

Useful when many arteries, or the main artery, are narrowed.

Back to daily life

Most people return to normal activities over 6–12 weeks.

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Who needs it

When is bypass surgery advised?

Your doctors weigh bypass surgery against medicines and angioplasty. CABG is often advised when:

Blockages in several arteries

Especially with diabetes.

Left main artery narrowing

The main artery supplying the left side of the heart.

Weak heart pumping

Reduced heart function with blockages.

Angioplasty not suitable

Long, calcified or complex blockages.

Blockages after stents

Repeated narrowing inside stents.

Diabetes with heart disease

Bypass may suit some patients better than stents.

With valve surgery

Bypass done in the same operation.

Emergency

Some heart attacks or failed procedures need urgent surgery.

Chest pain, pressure or breathlessness at rest can be a heart attack. Call 0522-666-4444 or come to the 24×7 emergency department straight away. Call 0522-666-4444.

Types of surgery

Types of bypass surgery

Tap a card to read more. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits you.

On-pump CABG

Using the heart-lung machine

How it works

The heart is stopped briefly while a machine takes over pumping and breathing.

Suits

Many patients, especially with several grafts.

Stay

Usually about a week in hospital.

Off-pump CABG

Beating-heart surgery

How it works

Grafts are joined while the heart keeps beating, using a stabiliser.

Suits

Selected patients, depending on the arteries and heart function.

Decision

Made by your surgeon after reviewing your angiogram.

Chest wall artery graft

Internal mammary artery

What it is

An artery from inside the chest wall, often joined to the main front artery.

Why used

Arterial grafts tend to stay open for a long time.

Note

Used in most bypass operations.

Leg vein graft

Saphenous vein

What it is

A vein taken from the leg.

After

The leg wound may be sore or swollen for a few weeks.

Tip

Keep the leg raised when sitting.

Arm artery graft

Radial artery

What it is

An artery from the forearm, used for some patients.

Before

Blood flow to the hand is checked first.

After

The arm wound heals over a few weeks.

CABG with valve surgery

Combined operation

When

When a heart valve also needs repair or replacement.

Stay

Often a slightly longer recovery.

Read more

See our valve surgery guide.

Valve surgery

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Before surgery

Tests and preparation

Tests confirm that surgery is the right choice and help plan it safely.

Coronary angiography

Shows where the arteries are blocked.

Echocardiography

Checks heart pumping and valves.

Blood tests & ECG

Kidney, sugar, blood count and clotting.

Chest X-ray & lung tests

Checks the lungs before anaesthesia.

Carotid Doppler

For some patients, to check neck arteries.

Angioplasty or bypass?

Tap an option to see when it is usually considered.

The operation

What happens during and after surgery

Here is what to expect, step by step.

The operation

Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon opens the breastbone, prepares the grafts and joins them to the coronary arteries. The operation usually takes 3 to 6 hours.

General anaesthesiaBreathing tube until you wake upDrain tubes and monitoring lines

Before surgery

  • Fast as advised
  • Some medicines stopped beforehand
  • Skin wash and preparation

Family

  • Wait in the family area
  • The surgeon will update you
  • Visits in the ICU as per rules
Your journey

From consultation to recovery

Step 1

Consultation

The cardiologist and surgeon review your angiogram and options.

Step 2

Pre-surgery tests

Blood tests, echo, X-ray and an anaesthesia check.

Step 3

Estimate & consent

Costs, insurance and risks explained in writing.

Step 4

Surgery

Usually 3 to 6 hours in the cardiac theatre.

Step 5

ICU & ward

About a week in hospital in total for most patients.

Step 6

Rehab & follow-up

Wound check, cardiac rehab and long-term medicines.

Recovery

Recovering at home

General guidance — always follow the instructions your surgeon gives you.

Activity

Walk every day, increasing slowly. Most people do light household work after 3–4 weeks.

Avoid lifting more than a few kilograms, pushing or pulling for 6–8 weeks while the breastbone heals.

Wound care

Keep wounds clean and dry. Bathing is usually allowed once the surgeon advises.

Hold a pillow against your chest when you cough.

Medicines

Take aspirin or other blood thinners, statins and heart medicines every day.

Do not stop any medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Driving & work

Driving is usually avoided for about 4–6 weeks.

Desk work may resume in 4–6 weeks; heavy manual work takes longer.

Diet & habits

Less salt, oil and sugar; more vegetables, fruit and whole grains.

Stop smoking and tobacco completely.

Contact us urgently if

  • Chest pain different from wound soreness
  • Fever, or redness or discharge from a wound
  • Sudden breathlessness or a racing, irregular heartbeat
  • Leg swelling, especially if one leg is painful
  • Fainting, weakness of one side or slurred speech
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common worries about bypass surgery

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Bypass surgery cures heart disease.”

Tap to flip
Fact

The grafts treat the blockages, but the disease can progress. Medicines, diet, exercise and stopping tobacco protect the grafts.

Myth

“I will need complete bed rest for months.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Walking starts within a day or two of surgery. Staying active step by step speeds recovery.

Myth

“Bypass is only for elderly people.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Age alone does not decide. The pattern of blockages, heart function and overall health matter more.

Myth

“After surgery I can stop my medicines.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most heart medicines are needed long term to keep the grafts open.

Your heart team

Meet the heart team

Cardiac sciences Angioplasty Valve surgery Critical care
Practical help

Preparing for surgery, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Your angiography CD and report
  • Echo, ECG and recent blood reports
  • A list of all medicines, including blood thinners
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter
  • A family member who can stay during the hospital stay

Costs & insurance

The cost of bypass surgery depends on the number of grafts, the technique, the length of ICU and hospital stay and any other health problems. Ask our team for a written estimate after your consultation.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does bypass surgery take?

Usually 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of grafts.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Most patients stay about 5 to 7 days, including 1 to 3 days in the cardiac ICU.

Is bypass surgery risky?

Every major operation has risks, such as bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeat, stroke or kidney problems. Your surgeon will explain your own risk, which depends on your age, heart function and other conditions.

How many bypasses will I need?

This depends on how many arteries are blocked. Your surgeon decides after studying the angiogram.

When can I go back to work?

Desk work is often possible after 4 to 6 weeks; heavy physical work takes longer.

Will I need medicines after surgery?

Yes. Blood thinners, statins and other heart medicines are usually needed long term.

Is bypass surgery covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover bypass surgery for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

How do I get an appointment?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

CABGCoronary artery bypass grafting.
GraftA blood vessel used to carry blood around a blockage.
LIMALeft internal mammary artery, a chest wall artery used as a graft.
Off-pumpBypass surgery on a beating heart, without the heart-lung machine.
SternotomyOpening the breastbone to reach the heart.
AngiogramAn X-ray test that shows blockages in the coronary arteries.
Ejection fractionA measure of how well the heart pumps.
Cardiac rehabA supervised programme of exercise and advice after heart treatment.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Angioplasty & stents Aortic valve surgery Double valve replacement Diabetes care Critical care

Discuss bypass surgery with our heart team

Bring your angiography report for a consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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