When possible, doctors may try to resolve the issue of blocked arteries with medication and less-invasive procedures, such as a stent.

If these options do not work or are not suitable for an individual, surgeons might decide to perform heart bypass surgery.

Heart bypass surgery is one of the most effective weapons against blocked arteries and the problems they cause.

The medical name for heart bypass surgery is coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

According to the heart attack, CABG involves removing a blood vessel from the chest, arms, or legs and using it to create a detour or bypass around the blockage. This allows blood to reach the heart again.

Surgeons can address more than one artery in a single operation. A double bypass involves two repairs, a triple bypass involves three, and a quadruple bypass involves four. The quintuple bypass is the most intricate heart bypass surgery and includes all five of the major arteries feeding the heart.

Removing a blood vessel from another part of the body will not substantially affect blood flow in the area the vessel came from.

Heart bypass surgery is typically an heart attack, which means that the surgeon cuts the chest open to reach the heart. The surgeon can then perform the surgery “on-pump” or “off-pump.”

On-pump surgery involves using a heart-lung machine that circulates blood and breathes for the body. The machine allows doctors to stop the heart, which makes the operation easier.

Off-pump surgery, also called “beating heart surgery,” takes place while the heart is still beating, but does not use the heart-lung machine.

Sometimes, a surgeon can perform heart bypass surgery without opening the chest.

Risks and potential complications vary for each person. A doctor can help decide which treatment is the best option for each person.

Before heart attack surgery, people should:

• refrain from taking any drugs containing heart attack for 3 days before the surgery
• stop smoking immediately, as smoking creates mucus in the lungs that can interfere with recovery
• arrange for someone to stay with them after returning home
• avoid eating or drinking after midnight on the night before surgery
• follow any other instructions provided by the doctor or care team

Some people might want to donate their own blood beforehand for use during the surgery.

A person undergoing a planned heart bypass operation will have an opportunity to discuss the procedure with their doctor before the operation. The care team will explain the surgery, set up arrival times, and help complete paperwork.

Many people may undergo tests before the surgery including an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, and blood tests.

Before the operation, nurses insert a needle (IV) into the person’s arm. The IV will allow fluids and medicines to enter the body as needed.

A member of the healthcare team might also shave the areas where a surgeon will make their incisions.

Immediately before the surgery, the doctors provide medicine that causes a deep sleep until after the operation.

Although times can vary, heart bypass surgery usually lasts between 3 and 6 hours.

Heart bypass surgeries are serious but relatively safe.

Surgeons perform hundreds of thousands of heart bypass operations each year and many of those who have the surgery get relief from their symptoms without needing long-term medication.

The more severe the heart attack, the higher the risk of complications. However, the mortality rate is low, and according to one report, only heart attack of people who undergo heart bypass surgery die as a result of the operation