Aortofemoral Bypass
Aortic disease experts at Wellstar offer aortofemoral bypass surgery to treat blockage in a major artery in the abdomen or groin.
Highly specialized treatment for clogged blood vessels
Aortofemoral bypass is a procedure also known as aortobifemoral bypass. This highly specialized surgery treats clogged or narrowed blood vessels in the lower part of the body including the major arteries that connect the heart’s primary artery — the aorta — with the leg arteries.
Who needs aortofemoral bypass?
People with conditions like aortoiliac disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries often caused by atherosclerosis, may require surgical intervention if less invasive therapies are not an option. Some people will have no pain at all while others will have pain when they exercise. Eventually, the pain will become persistent. These conditions can threaten the health of the limbs.
How aortofemoral bypass surgery is performed
Aortofemoral bypass surgery involves opening the abdominal and groin area. The vascular surgeon connects a fabric tube — or a graft — shaped like a Y from the femoral arteries into the artery located in the abdomen. The blood flow is then redirected around the blocked area.
Our vascular surgeons and heart care team members are here to help people understand their options and provide the highest level of care to people before, during, and after an aortofemoral bypass.