Off-Pump vs On-Pump CABG: What Changes for the Physiotherapist?
Understand off-pump versus on-pump CABG, including surgical differences, pulmonary complications, mobilisation timing and key implications for physiotherapy.
Condition
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Pre- and post-operative physiotherapy for coronary artery bypass grafting — Phase I to Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation, sternal precautions, and complication screening.
ICD-10-CM: Z95.1
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is major heart surgery that restores blood flow to the heart. Recovery is a gradual, well-supported process, and physiotherapy plays an important role at every stage — from the first days in hospital to returning to activity and exercise at home.
Cardiac rehabilitation helps you rebuild fitness safely, protect the healing chest, and regain confidence to move. In this guide we cover pre- and post-operative physiotherapy for CABG — including Phase I to Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation, sternal precautions, and complication screening — practical guidance for clinicians and clear, reassuring explanations so patients know what to expect during their recovery.
Post-CABG Complications: What Physios Must Screen
Learn how physiotherapists identify and manage atelectasis, postoperative atrial fibrillation and brachial plexopathy after CABG, including the causes of left-lower-lobe atelectasis.
Move in the Tube: Modern Sternotomy Rehabilitation
Explore how modern evidence is reshaping sternal precautions after cardiac surgery. Learn the principles of Keep Your Move in the Tube (KYMITT), current research, and practical physiotherapy advice for post-sternotomy patients.
Post-CABG Phase II Rehabilitation: Weeks 4–12 Protocol for Physiotherapy Students
Learn the Phase II post-CABG rehabilitation protocol for weeks 4–12, including FITT exercise prescription, beta-blocker target HR, return to work and psychosocial screening.
Post-CABG Phase I Rehabilitation: From ICU Day 1 to Discharge
A day-by-day Phase I physiotherapy protocol after CABG, covering positioning, breathing exercises, mobilisation milestones, sternal care and red flags that pause progression.