2024-2025 © Uva Clinical Anaesthesia and Intensive Care ISSN 2827-7198 / Cardio Thoracic Surgery / Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
2024-2025 © Uva Clinical Anaesthesia and Intensive Care ISSN 2827-7198 / Cardio Thoracic Surgery / Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
2024-2025 © Uva Clinical Anaesthesia and Intensive Care ISSN 2827-7198 / Cardio Thoracic Surgery
/ Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
1
CABG vs. PCI: A Comprehensive Analysis of
Indunil Karunarathna
1
, T Hapuarachchi
1
, P Gunasena
1
, P Aluthge
1
, N Perera
1
, S Gunathilake
1
, Kapila De
Alvis
1
, K Gunawardana
1
, S Rajapaksha
1
, A Warnakulasooriya
1
, P Athulgama
1
, Sanjeewa Dius
1
, R Ranwala
1
,
Sau Bandara
1
, Sanjaya Godage
1
, PN Rodrigo
1
, Asoka Jayawardana
1
, U Vidanagama
1
, C Fernando
1
, U
Ekanayake
1
,
1. Ministry of Health / Teaching Hospital Badulla / University of Colombo. 2024-2025 © Uva Clinical Anaesthesia and Intensive Care ISSN 2827-7198 / Cardio
Thoracic Surgery / Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
Abstract: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) remains a cornerstone in the management of complex
coronary artery disease (CAD), particularly for patients with multivessel disease, left main coronary artery
disease, or diabetes. This comprehensive review explores the evolution, techniques, outcomes, and clinical
implications of CABG. Highlighting evidence from landmark trials, including FREEDOM and SYNTAX,
it underscores CABG's superiority over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in certain patient
populations. Detailed discussions of surgical techniques, conduit selection, and emerging methods like off-
pump and robotic-assisted CABG provide insight into operative advancements. Post-operative
complications, including stroke, acute kidney injury, and sternal wound infections, are examined alongside
strategies for prevention and management. The role of interprofessional collaboration in optimizing
outcomes is emphasized, with a focus on nursing, allied health, and team-based interventions. This review
also contextualizes CABG within modern cardiology, addressing evolving practices and persistent
challenges. CABG continues to demonstrate its life-saving potential while serving as a testament to the
importance of multidisciplinary care and evidence-based practice.
Key Words: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Coronary Artery-Disease (CAD),
Revascularization, SYNTAX Trial, FREEDOM Trial, Cardiopulmonary Bypass, Off-Pump CABG,
Robotic-Assisted CABG, Surgical Conduits, Postoperative Complications
Key Points
Efficacy of CABG: Proven superiority over PCI for
complex coronary artery disease, particularly in
patients with diabetes, multivessel, or left main
disease.
Conduit Selection: The left internal mammary
artery (LIMA) is the preferred conduit due to
superior long-term patency, while saphenous vein
grafts exhibit reduced patency.
Emerging Techniques: Off-pump and robotic-
assisted CABG are promising alternatives for select
patients, minimizing inflammatory and
neurocognitive complications.
Postoperative Risks: Key complications include
myocardial infarction, stroke, acute kidney injury,
and sternal wound infections, necessitating vigilant
monitoring and interprofessional collaboration.
Landmark Trials: Data from trials like FREEDOM
and SYNTAX highlight CABG's enduring role in the
treatment of advanced CAD.