Description

Bypass surgery (CABG) is a major open-heart procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by creating new pathways around blocked coronary arteries using grafts (blood vessels taken from elsewhere in the body). It is typically recommended for patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) who cannot be treated effectively with medications or angioplasty. When is Bypass Surgery Needed? Severe Multi-Vessel Disease (blockages in multiple arteries). Left Main Coronary Artery Disease (high-risk blockage). Diabetes with Widespread CAD (better long-term outcomes than stents). Failed Angioplasty or Recurrent Blockages. Heart Failure with Significant Blockages. Types of Bypass Grafts Arterial Grafts (better long-term results): Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) → Most durable (lasts 15-20+ years). Radial Artery → Used as a second-choice artery. Venous Grafts (from legs): Saphenous Vein → More likely to re-narrow (lasts ~10 years). Benefits of Bypass Surgery ✅ Long-lasting results (better than stents for multi-vessel disease). ✅ More complete revascularization (fixes multiple blockages at once). ✅ Higher survival benefit in severe CAD (especially with diabetes). ✅ No need for long-term blood thinners (unlike stents).

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