Bypass Surgery
A bypass is a rerouting of the circulation around an area that is blocked, usually by arterial plaque. Arterial plaque may also be referred to as atherosclerotic plaque.
Most Americans are familiar with coronary coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, which uses small veins or arteries to get blood around blocked arteries in the heart to improve blood flow. Arterial bypass surgery uses the same principles.
In cases where angioplasty or stenting cannot successfully reopen arterial blockages, surgeons perform passes between the open artery above the blockage and another open artery below the blockage.
Depending on the size, location, and length of the bypassed artery, these operations may be performed using a segment of vein or artery harvested from the patient, or a synthetic graft made of Teflon or polyester.
Conditions Treated by Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery may be a treatment for the following conditions:
Types of Bypass Surgery
Peripheral Artery Bypass
Peripheral artery bypass is one of the treatment options for peripheral arterial disease. This surgery is performed by vascular surgeons.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG)
Cardiac surgeons perform coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a treatment option for coronary artery disease.