GITNUXREPORT 2026

Bypass Surgery Statistics

Coronary bypass surgery remains common globally with improving outcomes despite risks.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Perioperative myocardial infarction rate is 3.1%.

Statistic 2

Mediastinitis occurs in 1-2% of CABG surgeries.

Statistic 3

Leg wound infection from vein harvest in 5-10%.

Statistic 4

Delirium post-op in 10-20% of elderly patients.

Statistic 5

Low cardiac output syndrome in 4-6%.

Statistic 6

Pleural effusion requiring drainage in 3%.

Statistic 7

Chylothorax rare at 0.5% incidence.

Statistic 8

Phrenic nerve injury causing diaphragm paralysis in 1-2%.

Statistic 9

Mesenteric ischemia post-CABG in 0.2-1%.

Statistic 10

Graft kinking or spasm in 1% of arterial grafts.

Statistic 11

Pneumothorax incidence 1-3% post-chest tubes.

Statistic 12

Vasoplegic syndrome in 20% of prolonged bypass cases.

Statistic 13

Hyperglycemia >180 mg/dL in 50% of diabetic patients.

Statistic 14

Tamponade requiring drainage in 1-2%.

Statistic 15

90-day mortality is 2.5% for urgent CABG.

Statistic 16

Leg harvest neuropathy 5-10%.

Statistic 17

Hyperkalemia from cardioplegia 2%.

Statistic 18

Gut barrier dysfunction leading to sepsis 1%.

Statistic 19

Retinal artery embolism rare 0.1%.

Statistic 20

Thyroid storm in undiagnosed hyperthyroid 0.01%.

Statistic 21

Malignant hyperthermia 1:100,000.

Statistic 22

Air embolism to coronaries 0.2%.

Statistic 23

CO2 insufflation embolism in MIDCAB 1%.

Statistic 24

Donor site hernia 2%.

Statistic 25

Anaphylaxis to protamine 0.1-0.5%.

Statistic 26

In the United States, approximately 240,000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries are performed annually, representing about 3% of all cardiovascular procedures.

Statistic 27

Globally, CABG accounts for over 800,000 procedures each year, with a 2.5% annual increase in low- and middle-income countries.

Statistic 28

The prevalence of CABG among patients over 65 years old is 1.2% per year in high-income countries.

Statistic 29

In Europe, CABG surgery rates have declined by 15% from 2010 to 2020 due to increased PCI usage.

Statistic 30

Among Medicare beneficiaries, CABG utilization is highest in the Midwest US at 45 per 10,000 enrollees.

Statistic 31

In 2019, CABG was performed on 1.4% of all hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Statistic 32

The incidence of CABG in diabetic patients is 2.5 times higher than in non-diabetics.

Statistic 33

CABG procedures represent 7% of all open-heart surgeries worldwide.

Statistic 34

In Asia, CABG volume grew by 28% between 2015 and 2020.

Statistic 35

US CABG rates per 100,000 population is 58 for men and 21 for women.

Statistic 36

In the United States, CABG surgeries peaked at 467,000 in 1999 before declining.

Statistic 37

CABG is indicated in 10-15% of stable angina patients with multivessel disease.

Statistic 38

In Canada, annual CABG volume is about 20,000 procedures.

Statistic 39

Among STEMI patients, 5% undergo CABG during index hospitalization.

Statistic 40

10-year freedom from repeat revascularization is 80%.

Statistic 41

LIMA graft patency at 10 years exceeds 90%.

Statistic 42

Overall 10-year survival post-CABG is 75%.

Statistic 43

CABG reduces all-cause mortality by 20% vs medical therapy at 5 years.

Statistic 44

Incidence of late stroke is 1.5% per patient-year.

Statistic 45

5-year MACE rate is 15% lower with CABG than PCI in multivessel disease.

Statistic 46

Radial artery graft occlusion rate at 5 years is 10%.

Statistic 47

Heart failure hospitalization reduced by 30% at 5 years post-CABG.

Statistic 48

20-year survival for CABG patients under 60 is 60-70%.

Statistic 49

Saphenous vein graft failure at 10 years is 40-50%.

Statistic 50

CABG improves quality of life scores by 25% at 1 year.

Statistic 51

Repeat CABG required in 5% within 10 years.

Statistic 52

Angina recurrence free in 85% at 5 years.

Statistic 53

Bilateral IMA improves 15-year survival by 15%.

Statistic 54

In diabetics, CABG halves mortality vs PCI at 5 years.

Statistic 55

15-year survival 40%.

Statistic 56

Target vessel revascularization 12% at 5 years.

Statistic 57

LVEF improvement >5% in 40% of low EF patients.

Statistic 58

Cancer incidence similar to general population post-CABG.

Statistic 59

Neurocognitive decline persistent in 25% at 5 years.

Statistic 60

Allograft vasculopathy absent in CABG vs transplant.

Statistic 61

Employment return 50% at 1 year.

Statistic 62

LDL reduction to <70 mg/dL in 60% with statins.

Statistic 63

Sudden cardiac death 1% per year.

Statistic 64

Aortic valve replacement combined in 10%.

Statistic 65

30-day mortality rate for isolated CABG is 1.2%.

Statistic 66

Stroke incidence within 30 days post-CABG is 1.5-2%.

Statistic 67

Reoperation for bleeding occurs in 2-3% of CABG patients.

Statistic 68

Atrial fibrillation post-op affects 25-40% of patients.

Statistic 69

Acute kidney injury develops in 5-30% depending on risk score.

Statistic 70

Prolonged ventilation (>24 hours) in 5-10% of cases.

Statistic 71

Deep sternal wound infection rate is 0.5-1%.

Statistic 72

Myocardial infarction within 30 days is 2-4%.

Statistic 73

5-year survival rate post-CABG is 85-90%.

Statistic 74

Graft patency at 1 year is 90% for LIMA and 75% for saphenous vein.

Statistic 75

Readmission rate within 30 days is 15%.

Statistic 76

EuroSCORE II predicts mortality with c-statistic of 0.81.

Statistic 77

STS risk score for mortality averages 1.8% in elective CABG.

Statistic 78

Off-pump vs on-pump shows similar 30-day mortality of 1.3%.

Statistic 79

1-year mortality 1.8% per STS database.

Statistic 80

Renal failure requiring dialysis 1-2%.

Statistic 81

Sternal dehiscence 0.3%.

Statistic 82

VT/VF requiring defibrillation 5%.

Statistic 83

Transfusion rate 40-50%.

Statistic 84

Limb ischemia from IABP 0.5%.

Statistic 85

Operative mortality for isolated CABG 1.15%.

Statistic 86

6-month survival 96%.

Statistic 87

Freedom from angina 88% at discharge.

Statistic 88

LOS median 7 days.

Statistic 89

Mean number of distal anastomoses in CABG is 3.2.

Statistic 90

Off-pump CABG constitutes 20% of all procedures in experienced centers.

Statistic 91

Internal mammary artery used in 95% of CABG surgeries as arterial graft.

Statistic 92

Average operative time for CABG is 3-5 hours.

Statistic 93

Radial artery grafts utilized in 25% of multi-vessel CABG.

Statistic 94

Cardiopulmonary bypass time averages 90 minutes in on-pump CABG.

Statistic 95

Minimally invasive direct CABG (MIDCAB) performed in 5% of isolated LAD cases.

Statistic 96

Saphenous vein harvest via endoscopic method in 70% of cases.

Statistic 97

Bilateral internal mammary arteries used in 10-15% of diabetics.

Statistic 98

Total arterial revascularization achieved in 25% of CABG procedures.

Statistic 99

Hybrid CABG-PCI performed in 8% of multivessel disease patients.

Statistic 100

Robotic CABG adoption rate is 1-2% in high-volume centers.

Statistic 101

Aortic no-touch technique applied in 30% of off-pump surgeries.

Statistic 102

Hospital length of stay post-CABG averages 6-8 days.

Statistic 103

Anastomoses per patient average 3.7 in complex cases.

Statistic 104

Cross-clamp time averages 65 minutes.

Statistic 105

Skeletonized IMA harvest in 40% of arterial grafting.

Statistic 106

Composite Y-grafts used in 15% for total arterialization.

Statistic 107

Proximal anastomoses to aorta in 80% of vein grafts.

Statistic 108

OPCAB reduces transfusion needs by 50%.

Statistic 109

Endarterectomy performed in 5% of severely calcified vessels.

Statistic 110

Intra-aortic balloon pump used pre-op in 8%.

Statistic 111

Transit time flow measurement in 60% of centers.

Statistic 112

Hypothermic circulatory arrest rare <0.1%.

Statistic 113

Return to work within 6 weeks in 70% of patients under 65.

Statistic 114

ICU stay averages 1-2 days post-CABG.

Statistic 115

Sternotomy healing takes 6-8 weeks.

Statistic 116

Cardiac rehab participation in 40-60% of patients.

Statistic 117

Pain scores decrease to baseline by 3 months.

Statistic 118

NYHA class improves by 1 grade in 80% at 6 months.

Statistic 119

Depression screened positive in 20% pre-op, resolves in 70% post.

Statistic 120

Exercise capacity increases 30% at 12 weeks.

Statistic 121

Driving resumption average 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

Statistic 122

Wound care complications in 10% of endoscopic harvest.

Statistic 123

Opioid use ceases by 4 weeks in 75%.

Statistic 124

Sexual activity resumes in 60% by 8 weeks.

Statistic 125

1-year mortality post-discharge is 2%.

Statistic 126

Cost of CABG in US averages $100,000-$150,000.

Statistic 127

Functional status returns to baseline in 90% at 3 months.

Statistic 128

Anxiety scores halve by 6 months.

Statistic 129

Stair climbing tolerance doubles by discharge.

Statistic 130

Beta-blocker continuation 85% at 1 year.

Statistic 131

DAPT used in 20% post-CABG.

Statistic 132

Weight gain average 2-3 kg in first month.

Statistic 133

Sleep disturbance resolves in 80% by 3 months.

Statistic 134

Family caregiver burden peaks at 4 weeks.

Statistic 135

Vaccination rates post-op 70% for flu.

Statistic 136

25% of CABG patients have a family history of premature coronary artery disease.

Statistic 137

Hypertension is present in 85% of patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Statistic 138

Diabetes mellitus increases CABG risk by 40%, affecting 35% of candidates.

Statistic 139

Smoking history is reported in 60-70% of CABG patients.

Statistic 140

Obesity (BMI >30) is a comorbidity in 42% of elective CABG cases.

Statistic 141

Chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60) is found in 28% of CABG patients.

Statistic 142

Peripheral artery disease coexists in 20% of individuals selected for CABG.

Statistic 143

Age over 75 years elevates CABG perioperative mortality by 3-fold.

Statistic 144

Female gender is associated with 1.5 times higher CABG complication rates.

Statistic 145

Hyperlipidemia affects 75% of patients prior to CABG.

Statistic 146

Average age of CABG patients is 66 years, with 75% male.

Statistic 147

Left ventricular ejection fraction <35% is present in 15% of CABG candidates.

Statistic 148

Prior myocardial infarction history in 55% of CABG surgeries.

Statistic 149

Atrial fibrillation preoperatively in 12% of cases.

Statistic 150

18% of CABG patients have had prior PCI.

Statistic 151

CABG utilization in octogenarians is 8% of total procedures.

Statistic 152

COPD (FEV1 <75%) present in 22% of CABG candidates.

Statistic 153

Prior stroke increases mortality risk 2-fold.

Statistic 154

Insulin-dependent diabetes in 20% of CABG patients.

Statistic 155

EuroSCORE >5 in 15% of elective cases.

Statistic 156

Mean SYNTAX score in CABG group is 28.

Statistic 157

Triple vessel disease in 70% of CABG indications.

Statistic 158

Left main stenosis >50% in 25% of patients.

Statistic 159

Emergency CABG comprises 10% of total volume.

Statistic 160

Proximal LAD stenosis in 85% of CABG cases.

1/160

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While over 800,000 people a year globally undergo coronary artery bypass surgery, making it one of the most common major heart procedures, understanding the journey from risk factors to recovery is crucial for anyone facing this complex surgery.

Key Takeaways

In the United States, approximately 240,000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries are performed annually, representing about 3% of all cardiovascular procedures.
Globally, CABG accounts for over 800,000 procedures each year, with a 2.5% annual increase in low- and middle-income countries.
The prevalence of CABG among patients over 65 years old is 1.2% per year in high-income countries.
25% of CABG patients have a family history of premature coronary artery disease.
Hypertension is present in 85% of patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Diabetes mellitus increases CABG risk by 40%, affecting 35% of candidates.
Mean number of distal anastomoses in CABG is 3.2.
Off-pump CABG constitutes 20% of all procedures in experienced centers.
Internal mammary artery used in 95% of CABG surgeries as arterial graft.
30-day mortality rate for isolated CABG is 1.2%.
Stroke incidence within 30 days post-CABG is 1.5-2%.
Reoperation for bleeding occurs in 2-3% of CABG patients.
10-year freedom from repeat revascularization is 80%.
LIMA graft patency at 10 years exceeds 90%.
Overall 10-year survival post-CABG is 75%.

Coronary bypass surgery remains common globally with improving outcomes despite risks.

Complications

Perioperative myocardial infarction rate is 3.1%.
Mediastinitis occurs in 1-2% of CABG surgeries.
Leg wound infection from vein harvest in 5-10%.
Delirium post-op in 10-20% of elderly patients.
Low cardiac output syndrome in 4-6%.
Pleural effusion requiring drainage in 3%.
Chylothorax rare at 0.5% incidence.
Phrenic nerve injury causing diaphragm paralysis in 1-2%.
Mesenteric ischemia post-CABG in 0.2-1%.
Graft kinking or spasm in 1% of arterial grafts.
Pneumothorax incidence 1-3% post-chest tubes.
Vasoplegic syndrome in 20% of prolonged bypass cases.
Hyperglycemia >180 mg/dL in 50% of diabetic patients.
Tamponade requiring drainage in 1-2%.
90-day mortality is 2.5% for urgent CABG.
Leg harvest neuropathy 5-10%.
Hyperkalemia from cardioplegia 2%.
Gut barrier dysfunction leading to sepsis 1%.
Retinal artery embolism rare 0.1%.
Thyroid storm in undiagnosed hyperthyroid 0.01%.
Malignant hyperthermia 1:100,000.
Air embolism to coronaries 0.2%.
CO2 insufflation embolism in MIDCAB 1%.
Donor site hernia 2%.
Anaphylaxis to protamine 0.1-0.5%.

Complications Interpretation

These statistics reveal that while bypass surgery is a life-saving marvel of modern medicine, its path is strewn with a daunting array of potential complications, each a stark reminder that even routine cardiac procedures walk a fine line between calculated risk and catastrophic failure.

Epidemiology

In the United States, approximately 240,000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries are performed annually, representing about 3% of all cardiovascular procedures.
Globally, CABG accounts for over 800,000 procedures each year, with a 2.5% annual increase in low- and middle-income countries.
The prevalence of CABG among patients over 65 years old is 1.2% per year in high-income countries.
In Europe, CABG surgery rates have declined by 15% from 2010 to 2020 due to increased PCI usage.
Among Medicare beneficiaries, CABG utilization is highest in the Midwest US at 45 per 10,000 enrollees.
In 2019, CABG was performed on 1.4% of all hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome.
The incidence of CABG in diabetic patients is 2.5 times higher than in non-diabetics.
CABG procedures represent 7% of all open-heart surgeries worldwide.
In Asia, CABG volume grew by 28% between 2015 and 2020.
US CABG rates per 100,000 population is 58 for men and 21 for women.
In the United States, CABG surgeries peaked at 467,000 in 1999 before declining.
CABG is indicated in 10-15% of stable angina patients with multivessel disease.
In Canada, annual CABG volume is about 20,000 procedures.
Among STEMI patients, 5% undergo CABG during index hospitalization.

Epidemiology Interpretation

While bypass surgery quietly serves as a crucial tool in our global fight against heart disease—from holding steady in wealthy nations to seeing a boom in Asia, and while it's far from the most common procedure, it remains a heavyweight champion, especially for older men and those with diabetes.

Long-term Results

10-year freedom from repeat revascularization is 80%.
LIMA graft patency at 10 years exceeds 90%.
Overall 10-year survival post-CABG is 75%.
CABG reduces all-cause mortality by 20% vs medical therapy at 5 years.
Incidence of late stroke is 1.5% per patient-year.
5-year MACE rate is 15% lower with CABG than PCI in multivessel disease.
Radial artery graft occlusion rate at 5 years is 10%.
Heart failure hospitalization reduced by 30% at 5 years post-CABG.
20-year survival for CABG patients under 60 is 60-70%.
Saphenous vein graft failure at 10 years is 40-50%.
CABG improves quality of life scores by 25% at 1 year.
Repeat CABG required in 5% within 10 years.
Angina recurrence free in 85% at 5 years.
Bilateral IMA improves 15-year survival by 15%.
In diabetics, CABG halves mortality vs PCI at 5 years.
15-year survival 40%.
Target vessel revascularization 12% at 5 years.
LVEF improvement >5% in 40% of low EF patients.
Cancer incidence similar to general population post-CABG.
Neurocognitive decline persistent in 25% at 5 years.
Allograft vasculopathy absent in CABG vs transplant.
Employment return 50% at 1 year.
LDL reduction to <70 mg/dL in 60% with statins.
Sudden cardiac death 1% per year.
Aortic valve replacement combined in 10%.

Long-term Results Interpretation

While the bypass highways hold strong for a decade in most, the true journey reveals a masterful trade-off: you trade the immediate threat of a heart attack for the long-term project of managing a meticulously rewired engine, where graft longevity and diligent care ultimately write the final survival story.

Perioperative Outcomes

30-day mortality rate for isolated CABG is 1.2%.
Stroke incidence within 30 days post-CABG is 1.5-2%.
Reoperation for bleeding occurs in 2-3% of CABG patients.
Atrial fibrillation post-op affects 25-40% of patients.
Acute kidney injury develops in 5-30% depending on risk score.
Prolonged ventilation (>24 hours) in 5-10% of cases.
Deep sternal wound infection rate is 0.5-1%.
Myocardial infarction within 30 days is 2-4%.
5-year survival rate post-CABG is 85-90%.
Graft patency at 1 year is 90% for LIMA and 75% for saphenous vein.
Readmission rate within 30 days is 15%.
EuroSCORE II predicts mortality with c-statistic of 0.81.
STS risk score for mortality averages 1.8% in elective CABG.
Off-pump vs on-pump shows similar 30-day mortality of 1.3%.
1-year mortality 1.8% per STS database.
Renal failure requiring dialysis 1-2%.
Sternal dehiscence 0.3%.
VT/VF requiring defibrillation 5%.
Transfusion rate 40-50%.
Limb ischemia from IABP 0.5%.
Operative mortality for isolated CABG 1.15%.
6-month survival 96%.
Freedom from angina 88% at discharge.
LOS median 7 days.

Perioperative Outcomes Interpretation

While these numbers reveal a procedure of remarkable, hard-won precision, they also serve as a stark reminder that heart surgery is a controlled, rather than a cured, catastrophe.

Procedure Details

Mean number of distal anastomoses in CABG is 3.2.
Off-pump CABG constitutes 20% of all procedures in experienced centers.
Internal mammary artery used in 95% of CABG surgeries as arterial graft.
Average operative time for CABG is 3-5 hours.
Radial artery grafts utilized in 25% of multi-vessel CABG.
Cardiopulmonary bypass time averages 90 minutes in on-pump CABG.
Minimally invasive direct CABG (MIDCAB) performed in 5% of isolated LAD cases.
Saphenous vein harvest via endoscopic method in 70% of cases.
Bilateral internal mammary arteries used in 10-15% of diabetics.
Total arterial revascularization achieved in 25% of CABG procedures.
Hybrid CABG-PCI performed in 8% of multivessel disease patients.
Robotic CABG adoption rate is 1-2% in high-volume centers.
Aortic no-touch technique applied in 30% of off-pump surgeries.
Hospital length of stay post-CABG averages 6-8 days.
Anastomoses per patient average 3.7 in complex cases.
Cross-clamp time averages 65 minutes.
Skeletonized IMA harvest in 40% of arterial grafting.
Composite Y-grafts used in 15% for total arterialization.
Proximal anastomoses to aorta in 80% of vein grafts.
OPCAB reduces transfusion needs by 50%.
Endarterectomy performed in 5% of severely calcified vessels.
Intra-aortic balloon pump used pre-op in 8%.
Transit time flow measurement in 60% of centers.
Hypothermic circulatory arrest rare <0.1%.

Procedure Details Interpretation

While CABG surgery is a marvel of modern medicine, routinely plumbing an average of three new blood vessels into a tiny, beating heart, its true sophistication lies in the growing nuance of choosing between on-pump precision, off-pump elegance, arterial grafts, and even robotic assistance to tailor the perfect repair for each patient.

Recovery

Return to work within 6 weeks in 70% of patients under 65.
ICU stay averages 1-2 days post-CABG.
Sternotomy healing takes 6-8 weeks.
Cardiac rehab participation in 40-60% of patients.
Pain scores decrease to baseline by 3 months.
NYHA class improves by 1 grade in 80% at 6 months.
Depression screened positive in 20% pre-op, resolves in 70% post.
Exercise capacity increases 30% at 12 weeks.
Driving resumption average 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
Wound care complications in 10% of endoscopic harvest.
Opioid use ceases by 4 weeks in 75%.
Sexual activity resumes in 60% by 8 weeks.
1-year mortality post-discharge is 2%.
Cost of CABG in US averages $100,000-$150,000.
Functional status returns to baseline in 90% at 3 months.
Anxiety scores halve by 6 months.
Stair climbing tolerance doubles by discharge.
Beta-blocker continuation 85% at 1 year.
DAPT used in 20% post-CABG.
Weight gain average 2-3 kg in first month.
Sleep disturbance resolves in 80% by 3 months.
Family caregiver burden peaks at 4 weeks.
Vaccination rates post-op 70% for flu.

Recovery Interpretation

While the surgery itself is a marvel of modern plumbing, the real recovery is a gritty, months-long marathon where your heart may be fixed in days but your life, sleep, and sanity take a bit longer to reassemble.

Risk Factors

25% of CABG patients have a family history of premature coronary artery disease.
Hypertension is present in 85% of patients undergoing CABG surgery.
Diabetes mellitus increases CABG risk by 40%, affecting 35% of candidates.
Smoking history is reported in 60-70% of CABG patients.
Obesity (BMI >30) is a comorbidity in 42% of elective CABG cases.
Chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60) is found in 28% of CABG patients.
Peripheral artery disease coexists in 20% of individuals selected for CABG.
Age over 75 years elevates CABG perioperative mortality by 3-fold.
Female gender is associated with 1.5 times higher CABG complication rates.
Hyperlipidemia affects 75% of patients prior to CABG.
Average age of CABG patients is 66 years, with 75% male.
Left ventricular ejection fraction <35% is present in 15% of CABG candidates.
Prior myocardial infarction history in 55% of CABG surgeries.
Atrial fibrillation preoperatively in 12% of cases.
18% of CABG patients have had prior PCI.
CABG utilization in octogenarians is 8% of total procedures.
COPD (FEV1 <75%) present in 22% of CABG candidates.
Prior stroke increases mortality risk 2-fold.
Insulin-dependent diabetes in 20% of CABG patients.
EuroSCORE >5 in 15% of elective cases.
Mean SYNTAX score in CABG group is 28.
Triple vessel disease in 70% of CABG indications.
Left main stenosis >50% in 25% of patients.
Emergency CABG comprises 10% of total volume.
Proximal LAD stenosis in 85% of CABG cases.