Geisinger EHP Logo
Providing stats on all their patients

Why choose Geisinger for CABG surgery?

When you're told you need coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, it's natural to have questions — and it helps to know you're in good hands.

CABG treats severe coronary artery disease by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery. That restores blood flow to your heart. Here, your care team builds a plan around you — your condition, your health history and your goals — and your heart surgeon and cardiologist work together to find the right path forward, whether that's medication, angioplasty or CABG.

Many surgeons here have specialized training in complex heart procedures and years of experience in CABG. From your first appointment through recovery, your team is with you every step of the way.

To get started, ask your primary care provider for a referral.

Conditions we treat

Related specialties

FAQs

What’s coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery?

CABG surgery treats severe coronary artery disease by creating a new path for blood to flow around a blocked artery. A surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel from another part of your body to build that bypass. Your doctor may recommend CABG if they feel that it would give you the best long-term outcome.

Does the doctor stop your heart during CABG?

Sometimes. During traditional CABG surgery, surgeons may temporarily stop the heart and use a heart-lung bypass machine to keep blood and oxygen circulating through the body. In some cases, surgeons may perform off-pump CABG surgery while the heart continues beating.

Your surgical team will determine the safest approach based on your condition and treatment needs.

How long does it take to recover from CABG?

Recovery varies from person to person. Most people stay in the hospital for about 4 to 5 days after CABG surgery, with full recovery often taking 8 to 12 weeks. Your doctor will provide guidance on activity restrictions, cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up care during recovery.

What’s the difference between CABG and angioplasty?

CABG surgery uses healthy blood vessels to bypass blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty uses a catheter and balloon to open narrowed arteries and sometimes includes placement of a stent.

CABG surgery at Geisinger 

CABG surgery is one of the most common procedures performed here — and one we've spent years refining. Here's what that means for you:

  • Individualized treatment plans: Your heart surgeon and cardiology specialists build your treatment plan around your symptoms, heart health and goals.
  • Specialized CABG experience: Many surgeons here have specialized training in advanced heart procedures and perform CABG regularly — experience that translates to consistently low readmission and complication rates.
  • Care close to home: Locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania make it easier to find surgery, follow-up care and cardiac rehabilitation services.