Valtimonsiirre

Valtimonsiirre, known in English as a vascular graft or bypass surgery, is a medical procedure to restore blood flow to a blocked or narrowed artery. It involves creating a new pathway for blood to travel, bypassing the obstructed section. This is typically achieved by using a healthy blood vessel, either from another part of the patient's body (an autograft) or from a synthetic material.

The most common application for a valtimonsiirre is in treating coronary artery disease, where blockages in the arteries supplying the heart muscle can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. In this context, the surgery is often referred to as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Other arteries that may undergo grafting include those in the legs (peripheral artery bypass) or the aorta.

The harvested vessel, whether it's a vein from the leg or an internal mammary artery from the chest wall, is surgically attached to the aorta and then to the artery beyond the blockage. This reroutes blood flow, improving circulation and relieving symptoms. The success of a valtimonsiirre depends on various factors, including the patient's overall health, the location and severity of the blockage, and the surgeon's skill. Recovery times vary but typically involve a hospital stay followed by a period of rehabilitation.