What is the term for a channel that diverts blood flow from one artery to another, typically to work around an occluded portion of a vessel?

The term that describes a channel that diverts blood flow from one artery to another, especially in the context of bypassing an occluded portion of a vessel, is "bypass." This procedure is commonly performed in vascular surgery to create an alternative path for blood to flow, thereby restoring adequate blood supply to tissues that may have been affected by blockage. Bypass surgeries, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or peripheral bypass grafting, are specifically designed to circumvent obstructions in blood vessels.

In the context of vascular procedures, a graft refers to a material that is used to replace or repair a damaged blood vessel but does not directly describe the diversion of blood flow itself. Hyperemia refers to an increased flow of blood to a particular area, often in response to inflammation or increased tissue demand. Myointimal hyperplasia is a process that involves cell proliferation and can contribute to restenosis after vascular interventions; it does not relate to the concept of diverting blood flow. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the specific terminology used in vascular contexts.