Treatments

Femoropopliteal Bypass

Femoropopliteal bypass is a surgical procedure used to bypass blocked or narrowed sections of the femoral artery (in the thigh) and the popliteal artery (behind the knee) to restore blood flow to the lower leg and foot. This procedure is commonly performed to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) caused by atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside the arteries and restrict blood flow, leading to pain, ulcers, or even gangrene.

Purpose of Femoropopliteal Bypass

The goal of the femoropopliteal bypass is to reroute blood around the blocked section of the femoral or popliteal artery, thereby improving blood flow to the lower extremities.
This helps to:

• Alleviate pain in the legs during activity (claudication) or at rest.
• Prevent tissue damage like ulcers or gangrene caused by poor circulation.
• Avoid or delay amputation in severe cases of PAD.

Indications for Femoropopliteal Bypass

The procedure is typically recommended for patients with:

• Severe claudication: Pain in the legs during walking or exercise due to inadequate blood supply.
• Rest pain: Pain in the legs or feet even when at rest, indicating critical limb ischemia.
• Tissue loss: Development of non-healing wounds, ulcers, or gangrene in the foot or toes due to poor circulation.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) with significant blockages in the femoral and/or popliteal arteries.

Benefits of Femoropopliteal Bypass

• Restored Blood Flow: The procedure significantly improves blood flow to the lower leg and foot, alleviating symptoms of PAD.
• Improved Mobility: Patients often experience relief from leg pain, allowing them to walk further and engage in daily activities without discomfort.
• Prevention of Limb Loss: In severe cases of PAD, the procedure can help prevent amputation by restoring blood supply to the affected limb.