Final answer:
Coronary bypass surgery involves grafting a new vessel to detour around blocked coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. It is mainly recommended for significant arterial blockages and does not necessarily extend life expectancy, making post-surgery lifestyle changes and medication important.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical technique used to create a detour around blocked coronary arteries is known as coronary bypass surgery. This procedure entails grafting a vessel from a less vital part of the body, such as the great saphenous vein, or using a synthetic vessel to reroute the blood flow around an occluded area in a coronary artery. The goal is to restore sufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, which is deprived of oxygen due to the blockage.
Candidates for coronary bypass surgery usually include those with significant blockages in their coronary arteries, which could lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack). Though it is effective in ameliorating symptoms, such as angina, and improving the quality of life in patients who have experienced a heart attack, it does not necessarily increase lifespan. Lifestyle changes and medication are crucial post-surgery to maintain heart health and avoid further complications.