When arteries become severely blocked due to atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease (PAD), bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow and prevent complications such as limb loss or organ damage. At Vascular Surgery Associates, our board-certified vascular surgeons in Los Angeles and Santa Monica specialize in advanced bypass procedures, including Aorto-Bifemoral and Femoral-Popliteal bypass surgery, to ensure optimal circulation and long-term vascular health.
What is Bypass Surgery for Blocked Arteries?
Bypass surgery is a vascular procedure that creates a new path for blood to flow around a blocked artery. Using either a patient’s own vein or a synthetic graft, the surgeon reroutes blood flow to bypass the diseased segment, restoring circulation to the affected limb or organ.
Types of Bypass Surgery
Aorto-Bifemoral Bypass
Redirects blood flow from the aorta to the femoral arteries, treating blockages in the pelvic region.
Femoral-Popliteal (Fem-Pop) Bypass
Bypasses blockages in the femoral artery using a graft to restore blood flow to the lower leg.
Tibial Bypass
Used for severe PAD or critical limb ischemia, this bypasses blockages in the lower leg arteries, preventing limb amputation.
These lifesaving procedures significantly improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance circulation, preventing tissue damage and ulcer formation.
When is Bypass Surgery Needed?
Bypass surgery is recommended for patients who:
- Have severe PAD or arterial blockages that cannot be treated with angioplasty or stenting
- Experience persistent leg pain, ulcers, or non-healing wounds due to poor circulation
- Are at risk for limb loss due to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI)
- Have lifestyle-limiting claudication (pain while walking) that does not improve with conservative treatment
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we use advanced diagnostic imaging to determine if bypass surgery is the best treatment option for your condition.
Benefits of Bypass Surgery for Blocked Arteries
Bypass surgery provides long-term relief and improves vascular health by:
- Restoring circulation and preventing tissue damage
- Reducing pain and cramping in the legs
- Lowering the risk of amputation in severe PAD cases
- Improving mobility and quality of life
- Providing long-term results, with grafts lasting for many years
Patients who undergo successful bypass surgery can experience dramatic improvements in walking ability, reduced symptoms, and an overall better quality of life.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Before Surgery
- Patients undergo a comprehensive vascular evaluation, including ultrasound and angiography.
- Pre-operative instructions, such as medication adjustments, will be provided.
During the Procedure
- The surgeon makes an incision near the blocked artery.
- A vein or synthetic graft is placed to reroute blood flow.
- The procedure typically lasts 2-4 hours, depending on complexity.
After Surgery
- Patients stay in the hospital for 2-5 days for monitoring.
- Mild swelling and discomfort are expected but improve within weeks.
- Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.
- Most patients resume normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bypass Surgery
Bypass grafts can last 10-15 years or more, depending on patient health and lifestyle.
Patients may experience some discomfort, but pain is managed with medications and subsides over time.
Risks include infection, blood clots, or graft failure, but success rates are high with proper post-surgical care.
Mild cases of PAD may improve with exercise and medications, but severe blockages often require surgical intervention.
Some patients may require follow-up treatments, but lifestyle changes can help prevent future blockages.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Restore Circulation & Prevent Complications | Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have severe arterial blockages, leg pain, or circulation problems, bypass surgery can be a life-changing solution. At Vascular Surgery Associates, our expert vascular surgeons in Los Angeles and Santa Monica provide state-of-the-art bypass procedures to improve circulation, prevent limb loss, and restore mobility.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your treatment options.