Coronary artery bypass

The formation of fatty plaques and scar tissue within a segment of coronary artery can diminish blood supply to the heart.

A heart bypass operation is performed to 'bypass' the narrowed segment, creating a new channel for the blood to supply the heart's surface. This is usually done by inserting a section of the patient's saphenous vein, which is taken from the thigh or lower leg.

Other names for this operation include coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and coronary revascularisation. Possible complications include infection and haemorrhage.