2.1.1
Coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to the hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries as a result of atherosclerosis. It can cause angina, myocardial infarction and heart failure. One treatment option is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), most often performed 'on pump', maintaining the circulation and oxygenation of the blood extracorporeally using a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, while the heart is arrested (not beating).