Difference Between Bypass and Open Heart Surgery

In the field of medical science, heart surgeries are a common procedure for treating various heart conditions. Two of the most commonly performed heart surgeries are Bypass and Open Heart Surgery. While both surgeries are performed to treat heart diseases, there are significant differences and similarities between them. In this review, we will delve deeper into the details of these two procedures.

What Is Bypass?

Bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is a surgical procedure that aims to treat blocked arteries in the heart. This is achieved by creating a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked area, using a vein or artery from another part of the body. The bypass surgery is usually recommended for patients with severe blockages that cannot be treated with medication or other procedures.

What Is Open Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery, also known as traditional heart surgery, is a surgical procedure that involves opening the chest to access the heart. This surgery is performed for a wide range of conditions, including valve repair or replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and ventricular septal defect repair. The surgery involves stopping the heart temporarily and using a heart-lung bypass machine to circulate blood during the procedure.

What's the Difference Between Open Heart Surgery and Bypass Surgery?

One of the primary differences between open heart surgery and bypass surgery is the type of heart condition they treat. Bypass surgery is typically used to treat blocked arteries in the heart, while open heart surgery is performed for a variety of conditions. Another significant difference is the procedure itself; bypass surgery involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow, while open heart surgery involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves or tissues.

What's the Relationship Between Open Heart Surgery and Bypass Surgery?

Open heart surgery and bypass surgery are both surgical procedures performed to treat heart conditions. However, bypass surgery is a type of open heart surgery, meaning that it is performed as part of the open heart surgery procedure. In other words, bypass surgery is a subset of open heart surgery.

What Is the Similarities Between Open Heart Surgery and Bypass Surgery?

Although open heart surgery and bypass surgery are performed for different heart conditions, there are similarities between the two procedures. Both surgeries involve opening the chest to access the heart, and both require the use of a heart-lung bypass machine to circulate blood during the procedure. Additionally, both surgeries require a significant recovery period, and patients may need to take medications and make lifestyle changes to maintain their heart health after the surgery.

Comparison Purpose Roles Definition Meaning Example Differences Relationships Similarities
Bypass Surgery Treat blocked arteries in the heart. Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Cardiologist. A surgical procedure that creates a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked area, using a vein or artery from another part of the body. A way to redirect blood flow to bypass blocked arteries. A patient with severe blockages that cannot be treated with medication or other procedures. Bypass surgery is typically used to treat blocked arteries in the heart. Bypass surgery is a type of open heart surgery. Both surgeries involve opening the chest to access the heart, and both require the use of a heart-lung bypass machine to circulate blood during the procedure.
Open Heart Surgery Treat a wide range of heart conditions such as valve repair or replacement, atrial septal defect closure, and ventricular septal defect repair. Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Cardiologist. A surgical procedure that involves opening the chest to access the heart, stopping the heart temporarily, and using a heart-lung bypass machine to circulate blood during the procedure. A surgical method used to repair or replace damaged heart valves or tissues. A patient with heart valve or tissue damage. Open heart surgery involves repairing or replacing damaged heart valves or tissues. Bypass surgery is a type of open heart surgery. Both surgeries require opening the chest, the use of a heart-lung bypass machine, and a significant recovery period.


In summary, bypass surgery and open heart surgery are both important procedures for treating various heart conditions. While they have differences in the type of conditions they treat and the procedures themselves, they share similarities in the need for opening the chest, the use of a heart-lung bypass machine, and the recovery period. If you have a heart condition, it's important to consult with your doctor to determine which surgery is best for you.