Heart Bypass Surgery (CABG) in Kuala Lumpur
Heart bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), restores blood flow to the heart by rerouting it around blocked coronary arteries. Prof. Dr. Shahrul Amry Hashim performs bypass surgery at KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2, Kuala Lumpur, including keyhole (MICS CABG) approaches that avoid splitting the breastbone in suitable patients.
What is heart bypass surgery (CABG)?
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an operation to treat coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits. The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body (for example the chest wall, arm or leg) and uses it to create a new route, or "bypass", that carries blood around the blockage. This restores blood flow to the heart muscle and can relieve chest pain (angina) and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
"Bypass surgery", "heart bypass" and "CABG" all describe the same operation. It is one of the most established heart operations performed worldwide, and remains a standard treatment for significant multi-vessel coronary artery disease.
What is the difference between keyhole (MICS) and open bypass surgery?
Traditional bypass surgery is performed through a 20 to 25 centimetre incision, and the breastbone (sternum) is divided to reach the heart. In suitable patients, Prof. Shahrul performs minimally invasive (keyhole) bypass surgery, known as MICS CABG, through a 3 to 7 centimetre incision between the ribs, without dividing the breastbone.
Because the breastbone is left intact, the keyhole approach generally means less pain, a smaller scar, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to daily life. Not every patient is a candidate for the keyhole approach; the right method depends on your coronary anatomy and overall health, and is decided after assessment. Read more about keyhole (MICS) surgery.
Who needs bypass surgery?
Bypass surgery is usually considered for people with significant coronary artery disease, particularly when several arteries are narrowed (multi-vessel disease), when the main artery of the heart (the left main) is involved, or when narrowing is not suitable for treatment with a stent (angioplasty). It is also considered for people with ongoing angina despite medication, and for some patients with diabetes and coronary disease.
Whether bypass surgery is right for you, and whether it can be done by keyhole, is decided together with your cardiologist based on your angiogram and other investigations. See the heart conditions treated.
What happens after bypass surgery, and how long is recovery?
After surgery you are cared for in the cardiac intensive care unit before moving to a ward. Most keyhole (MICS) bypass patients are discharged within 3 to 5 days, compared with the 7 to 10 days typical after traditional open-chest bypass. Because the breastbone is not divided in the keyhole approach, many patients return to normal daily activity in approximately two weeks.
Recovery times vary from patient to patient. Your surgical team and your cardiologist will guide your individual recovery, medication and cardiac rehabilitation. Prof. Shahrul coordinates shared follow-up care with your referring cardiologist.
How much does bypass surgery cost in Malaysia?
The cost of bypass surgery depends on the hospital, the complexity of your case and your insurance cover, so an accurate figure can only be given after assessment. KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2 is a panel hospital for major Malaysian insurers. For an individual estimate, please contact the clinic and, where possible, bring your angiogram and cardiologist's report.
Reviewed by Prof. Dr. Shahrul Amry Hashim, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Heart bypass surgery: common questions
Discuss bypass surgery with Prof. Shahrul
If you or a family member has been advised to consider bypass surgery, Prof. Shahrul will review your angiogram and discuss whether a keyhole (MICS) approach is suitable.