Bypass surgery , also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary heart disease. This procedure involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, typically the chest, leg or arm, and using it to create a new route for blood to flow around a blocked or narrowed coronary artery.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and separates the breastbone to access the heart. Then, the surgeon takes the healthy blood vessel and attaches one end of it to the aorta (the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) and the other end to a point beyond the blocked or narrowed section of the coronary artery. This creates a new route for blood to flow around the blockage, bypassing it.
Bypass surgery is typically recommended for people with significant blockages or narrowing in their coronary arteries that cannot be treated with medication or angioplasty (a procedure that uses a balloon to widen the blocked artery).
After the surgery, patients are usually hospitalized for several days and will require a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This may include medication to manage pain, prevent infection and reduce the risk of blood clots, as well as physical therapy to help regain strength and mobility.
While bypass surgery can be a highly effective treatment for coronary heart disease, it does carry risks and is generally considered a major surgery. As with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives with your healthcare provider to determine whether bypass surgery is the best option for your individual needs.
