What is a vascular disease bypass?

Poor blood circulation may be a consequence of a disease affecting the vascular system, particularly arterial blockages. Therefore, ulcers and limb pain can occur. Bypass treatments deviate the flow of blood by bypassing a part of an artery. They are carried out using a graft.

A graft can be made with a synthetic material or with one of the veins taken from another area of your body. If providers use some of your veins to make the graft, they will replace this synthetic material. The procedure can prevent an amputation by restoring blood flow to the tissues of your affected limb.

What types of vascular bypass procedures are there?

There are several types. Their nomenclature indicates the arteries that are bypassed and the arteries to which the bypass graft is directed. Some of the most frequently employed bypass techniques are:

  • Aortobifemoral bypass: The graft begins at a point in the abdomen, just above the pelvis, at the lowest end of the aorta. Then it branches off like an upside-down Y connecting to the upper femoral artery of each leg.
  • Femoral-popliteal bypass: The bypass graft attaches to the outside part of your popliteal artery located either above or below your knee to the main artery in your groin or upper thigh area.
  • Femoral-tibial bypass: After beginning in your groin or upper leg, the bypass graft will attach to the tibial arteries below the knee.

To whom is vascular bypass surgery recommended?

A vascular bypass may be helpful for those patients with severe blockages in the arteries entering into their lower limbs, like within the abdominal aorta. Another common term for this critical limb ischemia is PAD or peripheral artery disease.

Will pre-operative testing be needed before the surgery?

Yes. There are several tests which can be carried out to evaluate your vascular status, decide that which of your arteries require treatment and when you should undergo your bypass surgery. Vascular ultrasonography and the ankle-brachial index are two potential assays.

Before your vascular bypass surgery, your doctor may administer additional tests to rule out heart vascular problems. Those who have vascular disease in their limbs often also have cardiac vascular disease.

Surgery will be carried out at the hospital. What to expect is below:

  • An anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to you for comfort and support throughout the entire procedure.
  • Your surgeon must make cuts at various places in your body to access your veins and arteries. The location and size of the incisions are usually determined by the type of bypass and graft you will have.
  • The wounds are then closed by your surgeon following stitches, which are manually sewn into place with small sutures.

It typically lasts for two to six hours, depending on the kind of bypass being done.

Which veins are suitable for bypass grafting?

The saphenous vein is usually found in your leg just below the surface of your skin. In fact, it is also mostly accessed by most doctors. The doctor may use veins found within the arm, such as the cephalic vein. In case a larger vein needs to be used, the femoral vein on your thigh will be used.

If bypass grafting cannot be done from your veins, your surgeon will use a synthetic material. Synthetic grafts work really well for the larger arteries, but your vein works best for the smaller vessel bypasses.

What problems and risks are associated with the procedure?

Problems may actually arise in the middle of surgery, even in the aftermath or even years after the surgery. Some problems which have a higher potential of occurring include already having some form of disease such as diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease, among others.

Problems consist of:

  • Evade graft failure, which is the result of restricted or obstructed blood flow via the graft.
  • Leaking blood from wounds.
  • Graft infections or incisions.
  • Injury to the limb nerves, numbness, or weakening.
  • Myocardial infarction.
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What happens after the procedure?

You will expect to spend several days in the hospital. To prevent blood clotting during graft formation, you might also receive some anticoagulants that thin your blood.

After surgery, it is generally expected that you will get out of bed and ambulate, both in the hospital and at home. You may require help with this activity. After the surgery, some patients require physical and occupational therapy. You’re able to start reverting back to your regular lifestyle.

What is the prognosis for patients having a vascular bypass?

Bypass graft surgeries have a very high percentage of limb salvage rates to be successful. PAD is not cured by the surgery, however. Eventually, the grafts will constrict or narrow down themselves.

When people use tobacco, including cigarette smoking, have a significantly increased chance of developing graft failure. In order to monitor your bypass, you need to stay in contact with your vascular surgeon.

After a vascular bypass, when should I get in touch with my doctor?

Call your doctor if you have problems in your legs, such as:

  • Pale, blue, or cold skin.
  • Numbness or tingling sensation.
  • Bleeding or blackening of wounds on the legs.
  • You should also report to the doctor when you have other signs of complications, such as:
  • You have a fever.
  • You feel nauseous and vomit.
  • The incision site is red or warm.
  • Fluid leaking from incisions.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for vascular bypass surgery?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most skilled professionals in the country. With the finest vascular surgeons specialized in vascular bypass surgery. Tender Palm stands out as the one of the best hospital for vascular surgeries in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any vascular condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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Our Experts

Dr. Ashutosh Pandey
Dr. Ashutosh Pandey
Consultant - Vascular Surgeon

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