WebMD
Font Size

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is done to go around a portion of an artery that has been narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).

The blocked portion of the artery is bypassed using a blood vessel taken from elsewhere in the body (usually the chest or leg). Blood is redirected through the new blood vessel, restoring blood flow to the affected portion of the heart muscle.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a common treatment for coronary artery disease.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
Last RevisedMay 10, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 10, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.