AHN’s CABG Receives Highest Designation for Quality in Cardiac Care

CABG at AHN: Collaborative and Transformative Cardiac Care

AHN is a longtime leader in cardiac care innovation providing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) as a lifesaving intervention for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Through advanced techniques and collaborative approaches, AHN earned a Society of Thoracic Surgeons 3-star rating — the highest designation for quality in cardiac surgery. This achievement is based on AHN performing a high number of CABG procedures with successful outcomes, low complications, and low morbidity and mortality rates.*

CABG accounts for 20–25% of all cardiac procedures performed at AHN, giving us the experience and tools to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.

About CABG

The objective of CABG is to restore blood flow to the heart by creating a new path for blood to bypass blocked arteries. AHN cardiac surgeons achieve this by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of a patient’s body to form the bypass around their arteries.

Who may benefit from CABG

AHN’s robust team of surgeons, interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists, and general cardiology specialists meets weekly to review patient cases and form a plan based on individual history and risk factors.

While CABG may not be right for everyone, it has proven to be an effective treatment for those with severe CAD, a history of heart attacks, blockages in the left main coronary artery, angina that doesn’t respond to medication, or other conditions where angioplasty or other treatments haven’t worked.

Evolving techniques and technologies

Walter McGregor, MD, director of AHN’s Cardiac Surgery Division, says AHN’s Cardiovascular Institute uses state-of-the-art technologies to ensure optimal patient experiences — from pre-operative care, through surgical recovery.

“Because of our extensive resources, we’re comfortable using temporary heart support devices and artificial heart pumps like the Impella 5.5Ò,” said Dr. McGregor. “With tools like this, we can help support patients’ hearts through the stress of CABG or heart surgery recovery and provide a smoother experience with enhanced outcomes.”

Fully supported recovery at AHN

Recovery from CABG generally requires about a week in the hospital — or until a patient is confident on their feet and navigating stairs — and two to three months at home where they are guided through a walking and cardiac rehab program to improve their endurance and overall fitness. During this time, providers check in with patients at regular intervals, starting in their first week of recovery.

Our physician assistants, 24/7 ICU nurses, and specialists across AHN’s entire health care team provide support and education for patients and their families so they know what to expect at every stage of care.

AHN’s collaborative care

At AHN, we prides ourselves on being a medical resource for the western Pennsylvania region. Our cardiac surgeons are often asked to provide second opinions, take referrals for complex cases, and help navigate patient assessments and possible surgical intervention.

“Our approach to coronary artery disease has always been interdisciplinary and team-based,” said Dr. McGregor. “As a result, we’re able to customize a care plan for any individual patient, address their particular issues, and also coordinate a backup plan if other treatment options need to be explored.”

How to refer

AHN can offer lifesaving treatment for CAD patients with our CABG procedure. To make a referral for CABG or other AHN cardiovascular expertise, call (412) DOCTORS.

*Source: AHN Cardiovascular Institute – Allegheny General Hospital. Publicreporting.sts.org.