When is bypass surgery needed?

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), also known as bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart. It is typically performed when the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart, become narrowed or blocked by plaque, a buildup of fatty material.

Bypass surgery is usually considered when other treatments, such as medications or angioplasty (a procedure to widen the arteries), have failed or are not appropriate. It is also often recommended for people who have multiple blocked arteries or complex blockages.

During bypass surgery, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, most commonly the leg or chest, and grafts it to the coronary artery beyond the blocked section. This creates a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart muscle, bypassing the blocked artery.

Bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure and carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and complications related to anesthesia. However, it is generally effective at improving blood flow to the heart and reducing symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue.

The decision to undergo bypass surgery is made in consultation with a doctor and is based on several factors, including the severity of the coronary artery disease, the patient's overall health, and their risk of complications.