What is femoropopliteal bypass surgery?

Femoropopliteal bypass surgery is a surgical procedure to restore blood flow to the leg when it is blocked by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The goal of the surgery is to bypass the blocked artery and create a new pathway for blood to flow to the leg.

How is femoropopliteal bypass surgery performed?

Femoropopliteal bypass surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the groin and expose the femoral artery. A graft, which is a piece of blood vessel taken from another part of the body or a synthetic material, is then sewn to the femoral artery and the popliteal artery, which is located behind the knee. The graft creates a new pathway for blood to flow to the leg.

What are the risks of femoropopliteal bypass surgery?

The risks of femoropopliteal bypass surgery include:

* Bleeding

* Infection

* Blood clots

* Damage to the nerves or arteries in the leg

* Graft failure

What is the recovery time from femoropopliteal bypass surgery?

The recovery time from femoropopliteal bypass surgery typically takes several weeks. Patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery and will then be discharged to home. They will need to take medications to prevent blood clots and infection and will need to follow up with their doctor regularly.

What is the success rate of femoropopliteal bypass surgery?

The success rate of femoropopliteal bypass surgery is typically high, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms. However, the long-term patency of the graft, or how long it remains open, can vary. The patency rate of femoropopliteal bypass grafts is typically around 70% at five years and 50% at 10 years.