Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) in Vietnam

Coronary artery disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, often resulting from severe narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When medication, lifestyle changes, or less invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement are not sufficient, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery becomes a life-saving treatment option.

In recent years, CABG in Vietnam has advanced significantly, supported by modern cardiac surgery centers, experienced heart surgeons, and internationally aligned clinical standards. Combined with substantially lower treatment costs, Vietnam is increasingly chosen by international patients seeking high-quality heart bypass surgery with comprehensive care.

What Is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)?

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a type of open-heart surgery used to treat severe coronary artery disease. The procedure creates a new pathway (bypass) for blood to flow to the heart muscle by routing blood around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.

During CABG, surgeons use healthy blood vessels taken from other parts of the body—commonly the chest, leg, or arm—to bypass the blocked coronary arteries and restore adequate blood supply to the heart.

CABG is one of the most established and effective cardiac surgeries worldwide, with decades of proven outcomes in improving survival and quality of life.

Why Is CABG Performed?

CABG is recommended when coronary artery disease is severe or complex and cannot be effectively managed with medication or stenting alone.

Common Indications for CABG

• Multiple blocked coronary arteries

• Severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery

• Advanced coronary artery disease with reduced heart function

• Diabetes with multi-vessel coronary disease

• Failed or recurrent blockage after stent placement

By improving blood flow to the heart, CABG can:

• Reduce chest pain (angina)

• Lower the risk of heart attack

• Improve heart function

• Increase life expectancy

Why Choose CABG in Vietnam?

Vietnam has become an emerging destination for advanced cardiac surgery, including CABG, due to continuous investment in heart care infrastructure.

Key Advantages of CABG in Vietnam

• Highly experienced cardiac surgeons trained internationally

• Modern operating theaters and cardiac intensive care units

• Availability of on-pump and off-pump CABG techniques

• Treatment protocols aligned with international guidelines

• Significantly lower costs compared to Western countries

• Shorter waiting times

• Dedicated international patient coordination

For patients seeking safe, timely, and affordable heart bypass surgery, Vietnam offers a compelling option.

Types of CABG Surgery Available in Vietnam

Vietnamese cardiac centers perform different types of CABG depending on patient condition and surgical strategy.

On-Pump CABG

Traditional CABG performed using a heart-lung machine to maintain circulation while the heart is stopped.

Advantages:

• Allows precise graft placement

• Suitable for complex multi-vessel disease

Off-Pump CABG (Beating Heart Surgery)

CABG performed while the heart is still beating, without a heart-lung machine.

Advantages:

• Reduced risk of certain complications

• Faster recovery in selected patients

Minimally Invasive CABG (Selected Cases)

Performed through smaller incisions, usually for limited coronary disease.

Advantages:

• Less trauma

• Shorter hospital stay

The choice of technique depends on coronary anatomy, heart function, and overall patient health.

Grafts Used in CABG Surgery

Surgeons select graft vessels based on durability and suitability.

Common grafts include:

• Internal mammary artery (IMA) – most durable, commonly used

• Saphenous vein (from the leg)

• Radial artery (from the arm)

Using arterial grafts, especially the internal mammary artery, is associated with better long-term outcomes.

CABG Procedure in Vietnam: Step by Step

1. Preoperative Evaluation

Patients undergo comprehensive assessment, including:

• Coronary angiography

• Echocardiography

• Blood tests and imaging

• Anesthesia and surgical evaluation

2. Surgery

• Performed under general anesthesia

• Duration: 3–6 hours, depending on complexity

• Blocked arteries are bypassed using graft vessels

3. Intensive Care and Hospital Stay

• Initial recovery in cardiac ICU

• Monitoring of heart function, breathing, and wound healing

• Total hospital stay: 7–14 days

4. Rehabilitation and Follow-Up

• Gradual mobilization

• Cardiac rehabilitation program

• Long-term medication and lifestyle management

Cost of CABG in Vietnam

One of the strongest reasons international patients choose Vietnam is affordability.

Estimated CABG Costs in Vietnam (USD)

• CABG surgery: USD 8,000 – 18,000

• ICU and hospital stay: often included in package pricing

• Preoperative tests: USD 800 – 1,500

In comparison, CABG surgery in the US, Australia, or Europe often costs USD 70,000 – 150,000 or more.

Safety Standards and Surgical Outcomes

Vietnamese cardiac surgery centers follow strict safety measures:

• International cardiac surgery protocols

• Modern anesthesia and monitoring systems

• Experienced multidisciplinary heart teams

• Advanced infection control programs

CABG outcomes in major Vietnamese hospitals are comparable to international benchmarks when performed by experienced surgeons.

Personalized medical consultation provided by a Vietnamese doctor for European patients at an international-standard clinic in Vietnam

Public vs Private Hospitals for CABG in Vietnam

Public Hospitals

• Very experienced cardiac surgeons

• Lower surgical costs

• High patient volume

Private & International Hospitals

• English-speaking medical teams

• Shorter waiting times

• Private rooms and personalized care

• Dedicated international patient services

Many international patients prefer private hospitals for comfort and smoother communication.

Recovery After CABG Surgery

Recovery varies by individual and surgical technique.

Typical Recovery Timeline

• ICU stay: 1–3 days

• Hospital discharge: 7–14 days

• Light activity: 2–4 weeks

• Full recovery: 6–12 weeks

Cardiac rehabilitation, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes are essential for long-term success.

Living in Vietnam During Recovery

Vietnam offers affordable living costs, allowing patients to stay longer for recovery if needed.

Estimated monthly costs:

• Accommodation: USD 400 – 1,000

• Food: USD 150 – 300

• Transportation: USD 50 – 100

Many hospitals assist with nearby accommodation options.

International Patient Support Services

Hospitals and medical tourism providers in Vietnam typically assist with:

• Medical record review before arrival

• Treatment planning and cost estimates

• Visa assistance

• Airport transfers

• Language interpretation

• Post-surgery follow-up coordination

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for CABG in Vietnam?

CABG in Vietnam is suitable for:

• Patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease

• Those advised to undergo bypass surgery by their cardiologist

• Patients seeking cost-effective heart surgery

• International patients medically stable for travel

Remote consultations are often available to assess suitability before arrival.

Future of Cardiac Surgery in Vietnam

Vietnam continues to invest in:

• Advanced cardiac surgery technology

• Hybrid operating rooms

• Minimally invasive heart surgery

• Surgeon training and international collaboration

These developments are strengthening Vietnam’s position as a regional center for advanced heart care.

Conclusion

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) in Vietnam offers an excellent balance of experienced cardiac surgeons, modern facilities, high safety standards, and significantly lower costs. For patients with severe coronary artery disease, CABG provides reliable long-term relief and improved survival.

As Vietnam’s cardiac care system continues to advance, CABG surgery is becoming an increasingly trusted option for both domestic and international patients seeking effective and affordable heart treatment.