Which surgical procedure is performed to bypass blocked coronary arteries?

The surgical procedure performed to bypass blocked coronary arteries is the coronary artery bypass graft. This procedure involves taking a blood vessel from another part of the patient's body and using it to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked arteries. By doing so, it helps restore adequate blood supply to the heart muscle, which is critical for maintaining its function and preventing damage from ischemia (reduced blood flow).

In contexts of coronary artery disease, where a patient's coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, this procedure effectively improves blood circulation, reduces symptoms of angina, and can enhance overall heart function. It is a well-established method to manage significant blockages that cannot be adequately treated with less invasive procedures.

Other options, while related to heart conditions, do not specifically address the bypassing of blocked arteries. For example, endarterectomy typically involves removing plaque from an artery to improve blood flow, and angioplasty involves using a balloon to open up blocked arteries without creating a bypass. Balloon valvuloplasty, on the other hand, is a procedure to open up narrowed heart valves rather than addressing coronary blockages. Thus, the coronary artery bypass graft stands out as the appropriate choice for this specific indication.