Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Bypass, cardiopulmonary
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Bypass, cardiopulmonary: A bypass of the heart and lungs as, for example, in open heart surgery. In this procedure, blood returning to the heart is diverted through a heart-lung machine (a pump-oxygenator) before being returned to the arterial circulation.