Bypass surgery for atherosclerosis & peripheral artery disease
Find a heart specialistIf your peripheral arteries become too blocked or narrow from a buildup of plaque, it can become painful to get around. That’s why your doctor may recommend bypass surgery to get the blood flowing again and help you move again without pain.
At Aurora Health Care, we’re here to guide you every step of the journey from diagnosis to recovery.
What is bypass surgery for atherosclerosis & peripheral artery disease?
Atherosclerosis causes blockages in the walls of the arteries and peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when plaque builds up in arteries, making it difficult for blood to travel to your body parts, particularly your legs.
In a bypass surgery for atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease (PAD), your surgeon creates a new pathway so blood can flow around an artery in your leg that’s been blocked by fatty deposits called plaque.
Prior to surgery, your doctor may request lab tests to evaluate your blockage. You’ll also see your physician or surgeon for personalized guidelines to prepare for surgery including:
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
- How to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answering your questions and concerns
Bypass surgery usually takes three to five hours. You’ll receive anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain.
Your surgeon will make a small incision just below the blockage, then connect a section of blood vessel removed from another part of your leg or a synthetic Dacron® tube to your artery above and below the blockage. This creates a new pathway that oxygen-rich blood can flow through.
You’ll stay in the hospital anywhere from five to eight days. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home.
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