| Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, particularly the legs and reduces blood flow to the affected area. PAD can cause pain, numbness, and difficulty walking, which can severely impact a person’s quality of life. Dr. Lawrence has the expertise you need to treat your Peripheral Arterial Disease. |
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the limbs (typically the legs) become narrowed or blocked, leading to decreased blood flow and oxygen supply.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause a range of symptoms, including leg pain, numbness, and weakness, which can limit mobility and reduce the quality of life. In severe cases, PAD can even lead to limb amputation.
One of the most effective treatments for PAD is arterial bypass surgery, which can help restore blood flow to the affected limb and alleviate symptoms. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of arterial bypass surgery for peripheral artery disease.
What Is Arterial Bypass Surgery?
Arterial bypass surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon creates a new pathway for blood to flow around a blockage or narrow section of an artery. During the surgery, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (often the leg or arm) and uses it to create a bypass around the blocked or narrowed section of the artery.
If no vein is available, a graft made of a gortex can be used to bypass the blocked area. The new vessel or graft is then attached above and below the blockage or narrowing, allowing blood to flow freely to the affected limb.
Arterial bypass surgery can be performed using a variety of techniques, including traditional open surgery, minimally invasive endovascular surgery, or a combination of both. The choice of technique depends on the location and severity of the blockage or narrowing, as well as the patient’s overall health and medical history.
What are The Benefits Of Arterial Bypass Surgery For PAD?
Arterial bypass surgery is a highly effective treatment for PAD, with numerous benefits for patients. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved blood flow: Arterial bypass surgery helps restore blood flow to the affected limb, which can alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. Improved blood flow can also help promote the healing of wounds and ulcers, which are common complications of PAD.
- Improved mobility: Patients with PAD often experience limited mobility due to their symptoms. Arterial bypass surgery can help improve mobility by reducing or eliminating pain and other symptoms, allowing patients to walk farther and engage in more physical activity.
- Reduced risk of amputation: In severe cases of PAD, the lack of blood flow to the affected limb can lead to tissue damage and even limb amputation. Arterial bypass surgery can help reduce the risk of amputation by restoring blood flow and promoting healing.
- Improved quality of life: PAD can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, and limitations in daily activities. Arterial bypass surgery can help improve quality of life by reducing symptoms and allowing patients to engage in more physical activity and daily tasks.
- Long-term results: Arterial bypass surgery can provide long-term relief of symptoms and improve outcomes for patients with PAD. Studies have shown that arterial bypass surgery can be highly effective in improving blood flow and reducing symptoms, with success rates ranging from 70-90%.
- Lower healthcare costs: While arterial bypass surgery can be an expensive procedure, it can also help reduce healthcare costs in the long run by reducing the need for ongoing medical treatment and hospitalization due to complications of PAD.
Who Is A Candidate For Arterial Bypass Surgery?
Arterial bypass surgery may be recommended for patients with PAD who have significant blockages or narrowings in their arteries that are causing symptoms and limiting mobility. Candidates for arterial bypass surgery typically undergo a series of tests and imaging studies to evaluate the severity of their PAD and determine the best treatment approach.
In general, candidates for arterial bypass surgery should be in good overall health and able to tolerate surgery and anesthesia. They should also have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the surgery and be committed to making lifestyle changes to help improve their overall health and reduce the risk of further complications.
What are The Risks of Arterial Bypass Surgery?
While arterial bypass surgery can provide significant benefits for PAD, it is not without risks. Like all surgeries, there is a risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, and blood clots. Additionally, there is a risk that the new graft may become blocked or narrowed over time, requiring additional surgery.
How Arterial Bypass Surgery Works?
During arterial bypass surgery, a surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, such as the leg or arm, and attaches it to the blocked or narrowed artery. This new blood vessel, called a graft, creates a new pathway for blood flow, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected limb.
The surgeon may use either a vein or an artery as the graft, and sometimes a prosthetic graft made of gortex depending on the location and severity of the blockage. The surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia, depending on the patient’s overall health and the location of the blockage.
The surgery typically takes several hours, and patients may need to stay in the hospital for several days to recover.
Speak to Dr. Lawrence Schmetterer — the Leading Vascular Surgeon of Choice in Northeast Ohio
Dr. Lawrence Schmetterer is a vascular surgeon and vein expert based in Youngstown, Ohio with services provided in Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana Counties.
With his vast expertise in vein disease, he can help you with your arterial or venous circulatory problems. To find out how to combat the effects of venous disease, book your consultation with Dr. Lawrence Schmetterer today.
