There are three primary locations from which a provider can take the blood vessel used for a bypass procedure. These locations are the patient’s legs, chest, or arms.

The most commonly used vein for bypass grafts is the saphenous vein. This easily harvested vein is located in the leg. During the procedure, a portion of the saphenous vein is removed from the leg and attached from the aorta to the coronary artery below the site of the blockage.

The most commonly used arteries for a graft are the internal mammary arteries. These vessels are found in the chest, and for that reason do not require a second incision site. During bypass surgery, the internal mammary artery is attached to the coronary artery in order to carry blood around the blockage. Providers prefer to use the internal mammary artery whenever possible because it remains open longer than grafts using a vein. In patients requiring multiple bypasses, the internal mammary artery can be used in conjunction with a venous graft.

Radial arteries can also be used as bypass grafts. These arteries are found in the lower part of the arm. Because there are two major arteries supplying blood to the arm, one can usually be removed without causing any side effects for the patient. Like other bypass grafts, the radial artery can be used to shunt, or divert, the flow of blood around the clogged area of the coronary artery.