A femoral popliteal bypass is a procedure to go around (bypass) a blocked artery in the leg. The artery may become blocked with plaque, which is a buildup of fat. Arteries carry oxygen and nutrients to the body. The femoral artery is in the upper part of the leg. It is the main artery that carries blood to the leg. Popliteal arteries are in the back of the knee. These arteries take blood to the lower part of the leg.
This procedure uses a graft to bypass the blocked artery. The graft can be one of your own veins that has been taken from another part of your leg, or it can be made of a man-made material, such as plastic or fabric.
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• A clamp will be placed above the area where the femoral artery is blocked.
• The graft will be sewn into the artery above the blocked area.
• A second incision will be made lower in the leg over the popliteal artery. This is usually behind the knee.
• The popliteal artery will be clamped. Then, the other end of the graft will be brought down under the skin between the two incisions.
• The free end of the graft will be sewn into the popliteal artery.
• The clamps will be removed, and the attachments will be checked for leaking.
• You may have an X-ray done after dye is injected. This is to check the blood flow through the graft (arteriogram).
• Once blood is flowing through and is not leaking, the incisions will be closed with sutures or staples.
• Bandages (dressings) will be applied.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• You may be given medicine for pain.
• Your IV and your catheter may be removed when you are taking fluids well and passing