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Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Reviewed by Dr. Ajay Kaul, M.Ch — Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Noida · Updated August 2026
The 60-second summary
What it is
An operation that creates a new route for blood around blocked heart arteries, using blood vessels from your own body.
Who needs it
People with severe blockages in multiple arteries, or blockages a stent can't treat well — often found after chest pain, a heart attack, or an angiography.
Hospital stay
Usually 5–7 days.
Back to normal
Most people return to desk work in 4–6 weeks; full recovery in about 3 months.
Do you need bypass surgery?
- Angiography shows blockages in two or three major arteries
- The main artery (left main) is significantly blocked
- Blockages are long, hard, or at branch points where stents don't work well
- Diabetes with multiple blockages (bypass often lasts longer in this case)
- Angioplasty was tried and the artery closed again
Not everyone with a blockage needs surgery.
Some patients do better with medicines or a stent. If you're unsure why surgery was advised, that is exactly what a second opinion is for.
How Dr. Kaul performs bypass surgery
1 · Arterial grafts where possible
Veins from the leg are the traditional graft, but arteries (from the chest and forearm) tend to stay open longer. Dr. Kaul performs total arterial bypass in suitable patients — using only arterial grafts, which studies link to better long-term results. He will tell you honestly whether you're a candidate.
2 · Beating-heart (off-pump) surgery when it helps
Operating without stopping the heart can reduce recovery time and complications for some patients — particularly the elderly and those with kidney or lung issues. It demands an experienced team; it is routine at his unit.
3 · The right surgery, not the maximum surgery
If medicines or a stent will serve you better, he will say so and refer you back. Surgery is advised only when it is clearly the better option.
“Bypass surgery: what actually happens in those 4 hours” — video launching soon on our YouTube channel
Recovery, week by week
The risks, honestly
Bypass surgery is major surgery, and no honest surgeon will call any operation risk-free. In experienced centres, the risk of serious complications is low for most planned (non-emergency) operations, and your individual risk depends on age, heart function, kidneys, diabetes, and how urgent the surgery is. Risks include bleeding, infection, rhythm disturbances, stroke, and, rarely, death. Dr. Kaul will give you your specific risk assessment — not a general number — before you decide.
What bypass surgery costs
Every case is priced individually
Delhi NCR private hospitals (indicative) — depends on technique, room category, and ICU days. Insurance and cashless cover apply in most cases.
Common questions
Age alone does not rule out bypass. Dr. Kaul regularly operates on patients in their 70s and 80s; what matters is overall fitness, heart function, and other conditions. An assessment will tell you your individual risk.
Diagnosed with blockages? Talk before you decide.
A conversation costs nothing — and it may change the plan.