Definition: Diversion of the flow of blood from the pulmonary veins directly to the aorta, avoiding the left atrium and the left ventricle (Dorland, 27th ed). This is a temporary procedure usually performed to assist other surgical procedures.
temporary, a form of extracorp circ diverting blood from left atrium: differentiate from HEART BYPASS, RIGHT, a permanent form of heart surg, & from CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS, another type of extracorp circ diverting blood from right atrium
Other names Left Heart Bypasses; Heart Bypasses, Left; Bypasses, Left Heart; Left Heart Bypass; Bypass, Left Heart
