Angioplasty vs Bypass Surgery: Which is Right for You?
By Dr. Raghvendra Choudhary, DM Cardiology
Two of the most common treatments for blocked coronary arteries are angioplasty (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Here's how they compare:
Angioplasty (PCI) - Minimally invasive, performed via a small puncture in the wrist or groin - Balloon inflates to open the artery; a stent is placed to keep it open - Recovery: 1–2 days hospital stay, return to work in 1 week - Best for: 1–2 vessel disease, suitable anatomy
Bypass Surgery (CABG) - Open-heart surgery using blood vessel grafts to reroute blood around blockages - Recovery: 5–7 days hospital, 6–8 weeks total - Best for: Complex 3-vessel disease, left main disease, diabetes with multi-vessel disease
How the Decision is Made We use a scoring system called the SYNTAX score to determine the complexity of blockages. Both a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon review the angiogram together (Heart Team approach) to recommend the safest, most effective option for each patient.