Bypass Surgery is a medical procedure used to create a new path for blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked or narrowed arteries. This is often performed to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when the coronary arteries become clogged with plaque, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.
Types of Bypass Surgery:
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): This is the most common type of bypass surgery. It involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (such as the chest, leg, or arm) and using it to bypass a blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This helps improve blood flow to the heart.
Peripheral Artery Bypass: This type of surgery is performed to bypass blocked arteries in the legs or other parts of the body. It is similar in principle to CABG but targets peripheral arteries.
Indications for Bypass Surgery:
- Severe coronary artery disease
- Multiple blocked arteries
- Inadequate response to other treatments such as medication or angioplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of bypass surgery?
The most common type is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), while peripheral artery bypass targets blocked arteries in other parts of the body.
When is bypass surgery necessary?
It is generally needed for severe coronary artery disease, multiple blocked arteries, or inadequate response to other treatments.
