graft occlusion

Graft occlusion refers to the blockage of a vessel used for a surgical bypass, often in heart procedures like coronary artery bypass surgery. Surgeons create a new pathway using a vessel from another part of the body to reroute blood around blocked arteries. Over time, this graft can become blocked itself due to blood clots, buildup of fatty deposits, or damage to the vessel lining. When this happens, blood flow through the bypass diminishes or stops, which can lead to chest pain or a heart attack. Managing risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure can help prevent graft occlusion.