Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery surgery is done to bypass one of more blockages in the heart's arteries. The bypass increases blood flow to the heart muscle to relieve chest pain (angina) and improve heart function. A leg vein (saphenous vein), an artery from the chest (internal mammary artery), or one from your arm (radial artery) can be used for the bypass graft. The type of graft used depends on the number and location of the blockages.

When a leg vein is used, one end is sewn to the aorta and the other end to the heart artery below the level of the blockage. Using a leg vein may slightly change blood flow from that area of the leg but does not affect the ability to walk. The leg vein is taken through a 1" incision at the knee.