Blocked coronary arteries require bypass surgery. The aim is to provide blood flow to the artery beyond the blockage, bypassing the obstruction. Small arteries in the chest wall, or veins from the legs, are removed for this purpose. A small segment of the bypass vessel is attached to the wall of the diseased vessel, where blood flow is strong. And then, the other end of the bypass vessel is attached to the vessel, beyond the blockage. This allows blood to flow around the blockage, restoring the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the part of the heart that was supplied by the vessel before it became blocked.

Example:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery

The risks for bypass surgery:

• Death: 3%
• Heart attack: 5%
• Stroke: 2%