What is an arterial bypass?
An arterial bypass is grafting surgery of an artery or vein within the body. A bypass is where parts of another artery are grafted to the wall of the artery to relieve a blockage or weakening.
Why does an arterial bypass occur?
An arterial bypass procedure occurs as a result of a blockage or weakening in the artery wall. The blockage or weakening needs to be removed or the artery wall strengthened to restore normal blood flow.
Angina can also be experienced as a result of blockage or weakeneing in the arteries. Angina is the lack of blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) causing discomfort for the patient.
How is an arterial bypass treated?
Angina can be treated with a procedure where sides of an artery from another section of the body are taken and grafted to the artery. The graft allows a higher rate of blood flow to the heart, relieving the patient of angina discomfort.