After undergoing CABG surgery, what is the primary reason aspirin is indicated for patients?

Aspirin is primarily indicated for patients after CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) surgery due to its antiplatelet effects. After CABG, patients have newly formed grafts that are at risk of thrombosis, which can compromise blood flow and potentially lead to graft failure. Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing the likelihood of clot formation at the site of the grafts. This is crucial for ensuring that blood continues to flow through the grafts adequately, thus enhancing the overall success of the surgery.

While relief of postoperative pain and reduction of bleeding risk are important considerations in post-surgical care, they are not the primary reasons for the prescribing of aspirin. Additionally, graft rejection is not a concern with CABG, as the grafts used (often saphenous veins or internal mammary arteries) do not trigger an immune response as organ transplants do. Therefore, the antiplatelet function of aspirin stands out as the essential reason for its use in this context.