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VASCULAR SURGERY
Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis which is hardening of the arteries similar to that of coronary artery disease. In the United States, atherosclerosis is a common disease that affects the arteries, producing a loss of elasticity and hardening of the arterial wall. It is characterized by the formation of hard deposits (plaques) along the inner wall of the artery that may cause a decrease in normal blood flow. These plaques are usually made up of fatty tissue, cholesterol, and calcium. As a result of the decreased flow, patients may experience symptoms that are usually gradual in onset, such as cramps of the leg when walking (claudication), coldness of the skin, numbness, and tingling in the feet. In severe cases, there may be pain in the feet even at rest, plus ulcerations or even local tissue death termed “gangrene”.
For situations where the arteries are severely blocked, bypass surgery may be necessary. A graft, either a vein from your leg or an artificial (man-made) graft, is used to bypass the diseased artery. The tube is used to create a "detour" channel for blood flow around the blocked vessel. This surgery usually requires a stay in the hospital.
There are many types of vascular surgical procedures that can be performed depending on the area of occlusion. The most common lower extremity bypass graft is the femoral to popliteal artery bypass. The bypass graft that best serves your needs will be discussed by our vascular surgeon after diagnostic testing is completed.
Key Advantages:
- Provides long-term relief of leg pain during exercise or walking
- Helps heal any tissue breakdown already present in the feet such as ulcerations, etc
- May reduce numbness and/or coldness of the lower legs
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