A heart bypass, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart. It involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or chest, and using it to create a new pathway for blood to bypass blocked or narrowed arteries. This helps to relieve symptoms like chest pain and reduces the risk of heart attacks.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The heart may be temporarily stopped while the bypass is created, often using a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation. After the surgery, patients typically undergo a recovery period that includes lifestyle changes and rehabilitation to promote heart health.