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VASCULAR SURGERY
Aortic Bypass for Occlusive Disease or Aneurysm
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Aortoiliac occlusive disease occurs when the iliac arteries or the aorta itself becomes narrowed or blocked. The aorta, the body's main artery, splits into two branches, at about the level of navel, called the iliac arteries. The iliac arteries go through the pelvis into the legs, where they divide into many smaller arteries that run down to the toes. Aortoiliac disease is considered a type of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) because it affects arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the limbs.
Arteries are normally smooth and open on the inside, but as people age, a substance called plaque can build up in the walls of arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue. As more plaque builds up, it causes arteries to narrow and stiffen. This process is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Eventually, enough plaque can build up to interfere with blood flow in the aorta and/or iliac arteries or the lower leg arteries.
Besides aortoiliac disease, a weak area of the abdominal aorta may expand or bulge, and is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The pressure from blood flowing through the abdominal aorta can cause a weakened part of the aorta to bulge, much like a balloon. The normal aorta is about 1 inch (or a little over 2 centimeters) in diameter. However, an AAA can stretch the aorta beyond its safety margin. Aneurysms are a health risk because they can rupture and burst open. Many patients are not aware that they have an aneurysm. A ruptured aneurysm can cause severe internal bleeding, which can lead to shock or even death.
AAA can cause another serious health problem. Clots or debris can form inside the aneurysm and travel to blood vessels leading to other organs in your body. If one of these blood vessels becomes blocked, it can cause severe pain or even more serious problems, such as limb loss.
Aortic bypass surgery to repair an AAA or occlusive disease is usually done through abdominal and/or leg incisions depending upon the location of the problem. A Y-shaped tube made of synthetic fabric, called a graft, is attached to the patients’ aorta above the blockage and creates a detour around the narrowed or aneurysmal sections of the artery. The two branches of the graft are then attached to the iliac arteries or other major arteries in each leg. Results are very durable and the great majority of aortic bypass grafts last for the duration of your life.
Key Advantages:
- It eliminates the risk of an aneurysm bleeding from sudden rupture or leaking
- For occlusive disease, blood flow is restored to the legs relieving pain
- The surgery has proven to provide excellent long-term results
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