What is the purpose of administering aspirin post CABG surgery?

Administering aspirin post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery primarily aims to improve graft patency and reduce mortality. Aspirin functions as an antiplatelet agent, preventing the formation of blood clots that can occlude the newly placed grafts. Following CABG, patients are at increased risk for thrombotic events due to the manipulation of blood vessels and the introduction of foreign materials, such as grafts. By inhibiting platelet aggregation, aspirin enhances the likelihood that the grafts will remain open, which is crucial for the success of the surgery and the long-term outcomes.

Maintaining graft patency is particularly important because graft failure can lead to recurrence of angina and necessitate further interventions. The overall reduction in mortality associated with proper graft function directly relates to the effectiveness of aspirin in this postoperative phase. Thus, the administration of aspirin is a critical part of post-surgical management to improve patient prognosis following CABG.