Lower Extremity Bypass

Lower Extremity Bypass

Lower extremity disease is a form of peripheral artery disease, or PAD, in which a hard substance, called plaque, builds up on the inside walls of an artery in the leg. Eventually, the flow of blood to the leg or foot becomes restricted or even blocked, and if left untreated, can cause loss of a leg or foot.

There are ways this condition can be treated, depending on location and severity of the blockage.

Bypass Surgery involves surgically grafting either a synthetic tube or a section taken from one of the patient's own arteries to the blocked artery in two places to create a "detour" around the blockage.

Angioplasty or Stent Placement is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon can insert a long tube called a catheter into the artery through a small incision in the patient's groin area. The catheter can then be advanced to the blockage area, and a small balloon on the tip can be inflated to open the blocked area up. If necessary, a small spring (called a stent) can be inserted through the artery into the blocked area to hold it open.

In addition to utilizing the latest surgical procedures and protocols, the vascular surgeons at Phoebe have access to the most advanced noninvasive and minimally invasive diagnostic tools. Taken together, these noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures make for quicker recovery and better patient outcomes.

Schedule an appointment, call Phoebe Vascular Surgery: 229-312-1700.