Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Aortofemoral Bypass
An aortofemoral bypass is a surgery to change the way that blood flows through the upper legs or abdomen. This is a major surgery. You may have this surgery if blood vessels in your upper legs or abdomen are blocked, damaged, or too narrow, and blood cannot move through them well.
During the surgery, an artificial (synthetic) piece of tissue called a graft is sewn above and below the blocked, damaged, or narrowed blood vessels. After the surgery, blood will be able to travel around these blood vessels by going through the graft.
Tell a health care provider about:
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Any allergies you have.
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All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
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Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
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Any blood disorders you have.
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Any surgeries you have had.
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Any medical conditions you have.
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Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What are the risks?
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Infection.
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Bleeding.
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Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.
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Damage to nearby structures or organs.
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The graft becoming blocked or not working.
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Nerve damage.
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Heart attack.
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Stroke.
What happens before the procedure?
Staying hydrated
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Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.
Eating and drinking restrictions
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8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
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6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
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2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.
Medicines
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Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
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Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
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Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Tests
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A physical exam.
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Blood tests.
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Tests to measure your blood flow, such as:
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Ankle-brachial index (ABI). This test compares blood pressure in your arm and ankle.
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Doppler ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to look at how your blood is flowing through blood vessels.
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Imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI, or X-rays.
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Tests to check your heart, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG checks the electrical patterns and rhythms of the heart.
General instructions
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Plan to have a responsible adult take you home from the hospital or clinic.
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Plan to have a responsible adult care for you for the time you are told after you leave the hospital or clinic. This is important.
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Ask your health care provider:
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How your surgery site will be marked.
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What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These may include:
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Removing hair at the surgery site.
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Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.
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Taking antibiotic medicine.
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What happens during the procedure?
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An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
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You will be given one or both of the following:
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A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
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A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
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Incisions will be made in your abdomen and your groin.
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A graft made from synthetic material will be sewn above and below the narrow, blocked, or damaged part of the affected blood vessels.
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Small tubes may be placed to drain fluid from your body.
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A thin tube called a catheter may be placed in the part of your body that drains urine from the bladder (urethra). The tube will temporarily drain your urine after the procedure.
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The incisions will be closed with stitches (sutures).
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A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the incisions.
The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.
What happens after the procedure?
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Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
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You will be given pain medicine as needed.
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You will be instructed to cough and breathe deeply to help prevent lung infection.
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Do not drive until your health care provider approves.
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You will have to stay in the hospital after the procedure. Ask your health care provider how long you will stay.
Summary
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An aortofemoral bypass is a surgery to change the way that blood flows through the upper legs or abdomen.
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Follow your health care provider’s instructions about what to eat and drink before the procedure. You may also have to stop or change any medicines that you may be taking.
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During the procedure, an artificial (synthetic) tissue called a graft is sewn above and below the narrow, blocked, or damaged part of the affected blood vessels.
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You will have to stay in the hospital after the procedure. Ask your health care provider how long you will stay.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
