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Femoral Endarterectomy

Everything you need to know about atherectomy procedures.

ABOUT THE FEMORAL ARTERIES

There are three femoral arteries: Common, Deep, and Superficial. Together, these are the large blood vessels that supply blood to the buttocks, thigh and leg. The Common Femoral Artery (CFA) is an extension of the External Iliac Artery (EIA), changing names as it crosses beneath the inguinal ligament in the groin area. Near the groin, the CFA splits into the Deep Femoral Artery (DFA) and Superficial Femoral Artery (SFA). The DFA supplies blood to the buttocks and thigh, while the SFA supplies blood to the rest of the leg.

Although all three femoral arteries can have plaque buildup, the common femoral artery is particularly susceptible to the creation of large calcific plaques, which cannot always be successfully treated with endovascular techniques. This is important to understand because a severe stenosis in the CFA limits blood flow to the whole leg – a condition known as Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI). CLI can result in amputation if not properly treated. For this reason, a femoral endarterectomy is a frequently performed procedure.

WHAT IS A FEMORAL EDARTERECTOMY?

Femoral endarterectomy is an open surgical procedure done to remove plaque formations from the femoral arteries.  In many cases, Dr. Tahara can perform this surgical procedure in an outpatient setting like Allegheny Vein and Vascular.

Accessing the femoral artery is achieved through an incision at the groin.  Once exposed, the femoral artery is clamped on both sides to stop the flow of blood.  Dr. Tahara then makes an incision in the artery, removes the plaque formation, and closes the artery.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE

Femoral endarterectomy procedures can often be performed in an outpatient setting like Allegheny Vein and Vascular.  Dr. Tahara will carefully evaluate you and provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. 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.

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