Description: This medical animation shows a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure used to combat coronary artery disease. Beginning with a midline sternal incision, the heart is shown within the pericardial sac, connected to a perfusion machine which will take over the duties of the heart while the surgery takes place. Two grafts are used to bypass the blocked coronary arteries: the internal thoracic artery from inside the chest wall, and the saphenous vein from the leg. After the procedure, the heart is shocked to restart its beating. A drainage tube is left at the incision site to drain away excess fluid in the pericardium.

Last Updated: Aug 15th, 2012