Surgical Bypass
Everything you need to know surgical bypass.
WHAT IS SURGICAL BYPASS?
Surgical bypass is a procedure that restores normal blood flow to a blocked peripheral artery by creating a new path around the blockage. In some instances, surgical bypass may also be used to bypass an aneurysm. By using a natural, biological or prosthetic graft, a surgical bypass routes the blood flow around an area of blockage or aneurysm. The graft can be made of a portion of one of your veins, or from a biological or synthetically manufactured material.
Blockages in arteries are often caused by a kind of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) we refer to as atherosclerosis.
WHY IS SURGICAL BYPASS NECESSARY?
Dr. Tahara may recommend bypass surgery either to restore the blood flow within a blocked peripheral artery or to bypass an aneurysm. Bypass surgery does not cure PAD or even remove the blockage, but instead it creates a detour around the blockage to restore blood flow. Surgical bypass is an open surgical procedure usually requiring larger incisions, hospital stays, and more down time than minimally-invasive endovascular procedures. However, surgical bypass is often considered necessary whenever minimally-invasive endovascular procedures are not an option or surgical bypass is deemed the better option.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PRIOR TO SURGICAL BYPASS
Surgical bypass procedures are performed in a hospital setting. Once Dr. Tahara determines the type of procedure you need, he will provide you with detailed instructions about how to prepare for the procedure during your evaluation. Dr. Tahara carefully explores your medical history during pre-op evaluation, including recent illnesses, existing medical conditions, and any allergies you have or medications you’re taking. He will also carefully explain how you should manage your regular medications, food, and drink just prior to the procedure. As a typical example, you may be told not to eat or drink anything several hours before arrival. You may also be asked to wear loose and comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
The Allegheny Vein and Vascular nursing staff will call you about 24 hours after your procedure to check up on you. Typically, the patient will also come in for a followup visit with Dr. Tahara about a week after the procedure is completed. From there on out, you will be scheduled for office visits and duplex ultrasound appointments as necessary.
IMPORTANT: It is vital that patients keep their followup appointments. The reason for this is that vascular disease is not something that just goes away. It is a process that continues, even after any necessary procedures have been performed. Regular monitoring of your condition will be required in order to help you realize your best possible outcome for the long term.
ALL THINGS VASCULAR
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