AORTOBIFEMORAL BYPASS:
A TREATMENT FOR P.A.D.
What Is P.A.D. and why do I need
surgery?
P.A.D. is short for peripheral artery
disease caused by atherosclerosis, also
known as hardening of the arteries.
The blood vessels carrying blood to
your legs have become too narrow or
blocked and require surgical repair.
What is a bypass surgery and how does
it help?
Bypass surgery helps by creating a
new route for blood flow to your leg
by inserting a fabric tube for it to flow
through. Your surgeon will make an
incision in your abdomen and your
inner thighs on either side. The fabric
tube that is shaped like a Y is inserted
into the abdomen. The base of the Y
is sewn into the aorta, and the two
ends of the Y are sewn into the femoral
artery below the blockage.
What happens before and
after my surgery?
You may have several tests
before the surgery to help
map the blood vessels in
your body to plan the
operation in detail. Tests
include, and are not limited
to, a CT scan and angiography.
After surgery, you will be
transported to the ICU
and can expect to stay in
the hospital for several
days during your recovery.
Your discharge date will
depend on your status and
will be discussed with your
care team during your
hospital stay.