Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) creates new routes for blood to reach heart muscle beyond narrowed coronary arteries. The choice between medical therapy, catheter-based PCI and bypass surgery is individualized and depends on coronary anatomy, symptoms, other diseases and expected benefits and risks.
CABG is one part of a broader treatment decision
Current European guidance for chronic coronary syndromes includes both medical treatment and coronary revascularization strategies. A German cardiac center reviewing an international case may need the original coronary imaging and clinical history before deciding whether surgery, PCI or another approach should be considered.
Records to prepare before requesting review
A complete record package can reduce delays when a heart team reviews the case.
- Recent cardiology summary and diagnosis
- Coronary angiography report and images when available
- Echocardiography report
- Prior PCI or cardiac-surgery reports
- Medication list and relevant laboratory results
- Information about diabetes, kidney disease and other major conditions
What bypass surgery involves
During CABG, surgeons use suitable blood vessels from the patient's own body to bypass narrowed coronary arteries. Surgical technique varies with the number and location of diseased vessels and the patient's anatomy and clinical condition.
Medical-travel planning after a surgical recommendation
International patients should clarify the expected pre-operative assessment, hospital stay, discharge plan, rehabilitation recommendation and the period they should remain close to the treating center before flying home.
- Ask which services are included in the estimate
- Confirm whether rehabilitation is expected in Germany or at home
- Plan medication supply and discharge-document translation
- Clarify who will provide follow-up after return home
Sources and review
This guide was last source-reviewed on 2026-08-29. We prioritize current clinical guidelines, German federal health information and official German medical-center sources.