We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Arterial Graft?

By C.B. Fox
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,767
Share

An arterial graft is a procedure used to repair a damaged artery before it leads to a life threatening condition, such as a heart attack. Occasionally, the procedure can be performed right after a serious event, if it is caught in time. The procedure of grafting tissue onto an artery requires a graft made out of a piece of artery from the patient, from a cadaver, or from a synthetic source.

A common problem with the health of arteries is that they become blocked or develop aneurysms. The main arteries affected are those in the heart, though serious conditions can develop in arteries in the legs, intestines, abdominal area, and around the kidneys. An arterial graft may be placed on any of the major arteries in these and other regions. This procedure can repair damage and can prevent serious complications.

Atherosclerosis and aneurysm are the two most common conditions that an arterial graft is used to correct. In atherosclerosis, the large arteries in the body narrow due to the buildup of plaque inside of them. This plaque can lead to decreased blood flow, which can cause a stroke or heart attack as well as reduced function in various parts of the body. Aneurysms form when a partially blocked blood vessel expands in a certain area. Eventually, there is a risk that an aneurysm will rupture, which can lead to a variety of health problems or even the death of the patient.

Surgeons may choose to enter the body from a number of different areas, depending on the area that needs the arterial graft. Most arterial grafts are performed on the arteries of the heart and are called coronary arterial bypass grafts. The most common source for an arterial graft is another artery in the patient’s own body, though it is also possible to use an artery from a person who is recently deceased or to use a section of artery that has been artificially created. A graft taken from one of the patient’s own blood vessels has the greatest chance of being incorporated successfully into the damaged section of artery.

In order to perform arterial graft surgery, a section of artery is connected to the area on the blood vessel that is damaged. This graft is often a separate vessel that can bypass the affected area by allowing blood to flow through an alternate route. A graft that is accepted can improve blood flow significantly and prevent serious injury or death.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-arterial-graft.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.