bypass [AS, bi, alongside; Fr, passer] , 1. any one of various surgical procedures to divert or shunt the flow of blood or other natural fluids from normal anatomical courses. A bypass may be temporary or permanent. Bypass surgery is commonly performed in the treatment of cardiac and GI disorders. 2. a term used by some hospitals to signal that its emergency department lacks the personnel and equipment to handle additional patients, thereby advising that ambulances transporting new patients be diverted to other hospitals.
