Blood Clots Following Off-Pump Bypass Surgery

Blood clots following off-pump bypass surgery can sometimes be harmful. Normally, blood clots are helpful, because they stop bleeding and keep you from losing too much blood. However, when the clots block an artery in the leg, for example, tissue can be damaged due to lack of blood and oxygen. Unwanted blood clots following off-pump bypass surgery can require blood-thinning medications or surgery.

Off-Pump Bypass Surgery Complications

Blood Clots Following Off-Pump Bypass Surgery: An Overview

Every time you have a cut or bruise, your blood clots to help stop the bleeding so that you don't lose too much blood.

But sometimes, blood clots can be harmful. When an unwanted blood clot forms and gets stuck in an artery or vein, it can block the flow of blood and cause serious problems.

One place that unwanted clots can form is in the legs. This is more likely in patients who have blockages from fatty buildup in the arteries of their legs. When a clot blocks the blood flow in an artery, tissue in the leg may not get enough blood and oxygen, and can be damaged or even die. In rare cases, the leg may even need to be amputated.

Clots that form in the arteries are called arterial clots. Another kind of blood clot, called a deep vein thrombosis, can form in the veins. These clots can migrate from your leg to your lung, where they may cause shortness of breath and other problems. This may happen after many types of surgical procedures, such as off-pump bypass surgery, but it rarely does. If it does happen, it's usually treated with blood-thinning medications.

To help reduce the risk of blood clots following off-pump bypass surgery, be sure to let your surgeon know if you have ever had blood clots in your legs.