This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
miralex/Getty Images
What Is Vascular Bypass Graft Surgery?
Bypass surgeries are typically scheduled in advance, although they may be performed emergently.
miralex/Getty Images
The graft may be taken from a vein or artery, or be synthetic (man-made).
Various Surgical Techniques
Bypass surgery is traditionally performed as an open surgery.
That said, over the years, less invasive techniques have emerged for some types of bypass surgery.
For example, some surgeons perform aminimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass.
This technique involves the surgeon making several small incisions in the chest to access theircoronary arteries.
These smaller cuts expose the diseased parts of the arteries that require grafts.
The surgeon then uses specialized remote-controlled surgical instruments to perform the bypass.
Contraindications
Contraindications vary based on the key in of bypass surgery being performed.
Your surgeon’s discretion will also affect whether a procedure is considered appropriate for you or not.
Arteries can become narrowed or blocked as a result ofatherosclerosis(when fatty clumps called plaques buildup).
If these therapies are insufficient,angioplastyandstentingis usually the next option, followed by bypass surgery.
A nurse will then record your vitals and place an IV in your arm or hand.
This IV will be used to deliver fluids and medication both during and after the procedure.
You will then wait in a holding area until the surgical team is ready for your procedure.
When ready, you will be wheeled into the operating room on a gurney.
The flow of your procedure will depend on the pop in of bypass surgery you are having.
This will help prevent pneumonia.
For example, Keppra (levetiracetam)which is an antiseizure medicationmay be administered after cerebral bypass surgery.
Once deemed ready by the surgeon, you will be moved to a regular hospital room.
You will also slowly advance your diet from liquids to solids.
Precise at-home recovery instructions will depend on your condition and the bang out of bypass surgery you had.
Full recovery from vascular bypass graft surgery may take up to three months.
Do not hesitate to ask questions and reach out for emotional support during this likely difficult time.
Society for Vascular Surgery.Surgical Bypass.
Michigan Medicine.Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Minimally Invasive Methods.
University of California San Francisco.Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
In:StatPearls[Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Young J, Patel SK.Peripheral Vascular Bypass.
In:StatPearls[Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
2017;4(Suppl 1):S653.
doi:10.1093/ofid/ofx163.1740
American Heart Association.Symptoms and Diagnosis of PAD.
Michigan Medicine.Cardiac Surgery: Tests Prior to Surgery.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.
Cleveland Clinic.Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Procedure Details.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG).
University of Cincinnati.Cerebral Bypass Surgery.
Society for Vascular Surgery.What is Vascular Disease?.
