coronary artery bypass graft

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coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) n. an operation in which a segment of a coronary artery narrowed by atheroma is bypassed by an autologous section of healthy saphenous vein or internal mammary artery at thoracotomy. The improved blood flow resulting from one or more such grafts relieves angina pectoris and reduces the risk of myocardial infarction.