How should I care for my incisions after coronary artery bypass surgery?

Your heart contains coronary arteries that can become diseased. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) creates new pathways around the areas of your blocked arteries, allowing blood flow to be restored. Your blocked coronary arteries are bypassed with an artery or vein taken from another part of your body (leg, chest, or arm).

Once all of the tubes, lines, and wires are discontinued after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, you will be encouraged to shower daily with warm water and a mild soap to keep your incisions from becoming infected. If your incision was made in your breastbone, do not lift anything over 10 pounds for three months after surgery. Your breastbone needs time to heal properly.