During bypass surgery, the chest is opened (referred to as open-chest surgery) and the heart is stopped allowing the surgeons to perform the bypass on the heart. While the surgeons work, the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine. This machine temporarily sustains life as it circulates the vital blood and oxygen to all parts of the body.

	Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Animation:
	Click here to see this animation about coronary artery bypass surgery.

Surgeons may perform a single bypass, double bypass, triple bypass or quadruple bypass depending on the number of blocked coronary arteries.

After surgery at INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, patients will go to an intensive coronary care unit and then be moved to an intermediate unit. Before discharge, the patient will learn about medication regimens, diet, wound care, and activity instructions. As part of their on-going care, patients may be directed to participate in cardiac rehab programs through the INTEGRIS Pacer Facility.