During femoropopliteal bypass, blood is rerouted
from the femoral artery to the popliteal arteries located above or below the
knee. Either a synthetic graft or the saphenous vein in the leg is used for
bypass.
Also
Known As:
- Femoral
artery surgery
- Blood
rerouting
- Infrainguinal
arterial bypass
- Femoropopliteal
reconstruction
- Fem-Pop
bypass
Conditions
Treated with Femoropopliteal Bypass:
Femoropopliteal bypass is performed in patients with
severe peripheral artery disease, as well as in cases of atherosclerosis,
coronary artery disease, ischemic leg pain at rest and risk of limb amputation.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
femoropopliteal bypass. Limb amputation is a surgical alternative to the
procedure.
Anesthesia
with Femoropopliteal Bypass:
Femoropopliteal bypass is performed under general
anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware
during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Femoropopliteal Bypass:
Possible risks following femoropopliteal bypass
include embolism, blood clots, infection, nerve injury, bleeding and a negative
reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience a failed graft,
altered blood pressure and continued vessel blockage.
Prognosis
after Femoropopliteal Bypass:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
femoropopliteal bypass is fair. While pain is relieved in most cases, limb
amputation remains a possibility for patients with disease progression.