California Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development

Healthcare Information Division
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery in California

Go to CABG Report for:   2005-2006  |  2003-2005 Trendlines  |   2005   |   2003-2004   |   2003   |   2000-2002   |   1999   |   1997-1998

CABG surgery is the most common surgical procedure for treating coronary artery disease. In this surgery, a vein or artery from another part of the body is used to create a new path for blood to flow to the heart, bypassing the blocked artery. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of all adult non-maternal admissions to California hospitals, representing 8.5% of all admissions. It is a chronic condition in which cholesterol and fat solidify to form plaque along the linings of the coronary arteries. If plaque continues to build up, blood vessels can be restricted or blocked leading to chest pain or a heart attack.