About P.A.D.: Special Treatments for P.A.D.: Bypass Surgery

Bypass Surgery

When there is a long and very narrowed blockage in a leg artery, the best treatment may be bypass surgery. In bypass surgery, a new blood vessel is attached to allow blood to bypass (go around) the blocked artery. A healthy vein, taken from another part of the body, or a synthetic (man made) blood vessel is used in bypass surgery. This is called a graft. When the graft is ready, the doctor makes a cut near the blocked artery. The graft is sewn to the artery above and below the blocked part. Once blood starts flowing through the graft, the cut is closed with sutures (stitches) or staples.

What happens after bypass surgery? After bypass surgery, the health care team in the hospital will check blood flow to your legs and other vital signs. You will receive medicine to control any pain. In a few days, when you can walk on your own, you will be able to go home.

Once you are at home, you will need to follow all the instructions the doctor gives you for taking medicines and caring for your incision. Be sure to keep all your follow-up visits to the doctor. During these visits, the doctor will check the blood flow in your legs to make sure the graft is working well.

What kind of doctor performs bypass surgery procedures for people with P.A.D.? Surgeons, including vascular, cardiothoracic surgeons and general surgeons, perform bypass surgery. Ask your health care provider to refer you to the best doctor to meet your needs.

What do I do if my symptoms come back? Sometimes, arteries become narrowed or blocked again in the same place after treatment. This is called restenosis (ree’-sten- o-sis). If you begin to have leg pain when walking (claudication) or foot pain while resting, call your doctor. You may need a second treatment to reopen the artery and reduce your symptoms.