What are the risks and recovery expectations for off-pump CABG?
Risks are lower than traditional on-pump CABG but still include bleeding, infection, stroke, arrhythmias, and graft failure. Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of 10–14 days, with most patients returning to light activities within 6–8 weeks. Full recovery may take several months, and cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended. Compared to on-pump surgery, patients often experience less post-operative pain, shorter ventilation time, and a lower risk of cognitive decline.