Myocardial Revascularization

Myocardial revascularization is the surgical procedure used to restore blood supply to the heart. It is often part of a larger procedure to improve cardiac health after a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction. Myocardial revascularization can reduce the risk of heart failure and might even extend life in some cases.

During myocardial revascularization, a surgeon inserts a new blood vessel to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery or vein. This is done by taking blood vessel or artery from another part of the body, such as a leg or arm, and attaching it to the affected area. This bypass allows the blood to flow normally around the blockage.

Myocardial revascularization surgery usually involves bypassing blocked coronary arteries. In this procedure, the doctor makes a cut in the chest and spreads the sternum apart to gain easier access to the heart. Then, blood from the leg or other part of the body is used to create bypass grafts around the blocked artery. Ultimately, this reroutes the flow of blood around the blockage.

Myocardial revascularization can improve the function of the heart.
The procedure can restore blood flow to the heart.
Myocardial revascularization involves bypassing blocked coronary arteries.
The bypass grafts created during the surgery reroute the flow of blood around the blockage.
The surgery can reduce the risk of future heart failure.
Myocardial revascularization is often part of a larger procedure addressing an existing heart attack.