Vascular bypass surgery (also known as bypass surgery or vascular bypass) is a surgical procedure in which a blocked blood vessel is bypassed using an artificial or autologous (patient’s own) detour. This detour is called a bypass—derived from the English word “to bypass” (to go around).
The goal of the procedure is to restore blood flow, for example, to the heart or legs.
A vascular bypass is primarily used when blood circulation is impaired due to calcified or blocked arteries and it is not possible to perform balloon angioplasty or place a stent. Common reasons for bypass surgery include:
The exact procedure depends on which vessel is affected. In general, the surgery involves several steps:
- Harvesting the bypass material: The surgeon uses either the patient’s own vessels (e.g., saphenous vein) or artificial materials.
- Placing the bypass: The new vessel is connected in a way that bypasses the blocked area.
- Restoring blood flow: Blood can now flow freely through the new vessel.
After vascular bypass surgery, a hospital stay of several days is required.
What patients should pay attention to:
- Physical rest until the wounds have healed
- Regular intake of medications such as antiplatelet agents and cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Healthy lifestyle: exercise, healthy diet, quitting smoking
- Participation in cardiac or vascular rehabilitation
- Follow-up monitoring of the bypass with ultrasound, and if necessary, CT angiography
The goal is to ensure long-term treatment success and prevent new vascular blockages.
As with any surgery, vascular bypass surgery carries potential risks. These include, among others:
However, when performed by experienced teams under modern conditions, the surgery is very safe.
Vascular bypass surgery is a proven method in vascular surgery that allows blocked blood vessels to be bypassed. When medications are no longer sufficient, and balloon angioplasty or stent placement is not feasible, a bypass is the right decision—provided it is performed by experienced specialists and accompanied by good follow-up care.
Glossary
- Bypass: A detour for blood flow, usually made with the patient’s own vessel material
- PAOD (peripheral arterial occlusive disease): Circulatory disorder in the legs due to vessel narrowing
- Stent: Cylindrical metal mesh that expands narrowed vessels
Sources
