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When considering the risks of CABG, it is important to remember that bypass surgery has been performed for more than 30 years. Cardiovascular surgeons have received extensive training in bypass techniques.
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It is the most frequently performed major surgery in the United States, with over a half million done each year. As with any surgery, the health of the patient prior to surgery is a major consideration in determining risks.
Health conditions that should be considered prior to surgery are:
- Age -- patients over 70 are at a slightly higher risk for complications
- Gender -- women have a slightly higher risk
- Previous heart surgery -- puts a person at a higher risk
- Having another serious medical condition (such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease, or lung disease)
Possible risks in having CABG are:
- Heart attack, which occurs in 5% of these surgeries
- Stroke, which occurs in 5% of these surgeries (the risk is greatest in those over 70)
- Blood clots
- Death, which occurs in 1-2% of those who have the surgery (that means 95-98% have no serious complications)
- Sternal wound infection, which occurs in 1-4% of these surgeries (this complication is most often associated with obesity, diabetes, or having had previous CABG)
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