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Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) — risks and complications

5 documented risks. Severity reflects clinical significance, not probability.

Stroke (peri-operative)

severe1.50% (1.00–3.00%)

Prevention: Off-pump techniques in selected patients; carotid screening; intra-operative monitoring.

Sources: sts-adult-cardiac-database, aha-cabg-guideline-2021

Sternal wound infection

severe2.00% (1.00–4.00%)

Prevention: Antibiotic prophylaxis; tight glycaemic control; bilateral internal mammary artery use cautiously in diabetics.

Sources: aha-cabg-guideline-2021

Atrial fibrillation (post-op)

moderate30.00% (20.00–40.00%)

Prevention: Beta-blocker continuation; amiodarone in high-risk patients.

Sources: aha-cabg-guideline-2021

Renal failure

severe5.00%

Prevention: Avoidance of nephrotoxins; haemodynamic optimisation.

Sources: aha-cabg-guideline-2021

Graft failure (long-term)

moderate10.00% (5.00–20.00%)

Prevention: Use of left internal mammary artery to LAD; aspirin and statin lifelong; smoking cessation.

Sources: aha-cabg-guideline-2021