Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries in your legs, arms, or other areas outside the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. It restricts blood flow, causing pain, reduced mobility, and, sometimes, even tissue damage or ulcers that can lead to amputation. While lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures can sometimes help manage PAD, you could need bypass surgery if those treatments are no longer effective.
When Is Bypass Surgery Recommended for PAD?
Bypass surgery for PAD is typically considered when:
- Severe blockages prevent blood flow: If the arteries supplying your legs or arms have significant blockage and other treatments failed, bypass surgery can create a new pathway for blood to circulate.
- You experience persistent calf pain from exercise: This condition is referred to as claudication and can indicate that you are receiving poor blood flow to your lower extremities. It is an early indication that bypass surgery may be required.
- Pain in your legs when at rest: If walking short distances or even lying down causes you severe discomfort and it doesn’t improve with medication or therapy this is extremely dangerous and indicates a very severe condition. When these symptoms present surgery may be required.
- Non-healing wounds, tissue damage, gangrene or ulcers develop: If your blood flow is severely restricted, it can lead to sores or infections that won’t heal and the tissue could actually start to die. This increases the risk of tissue loss and amputation without bypass surgery to stop the recurrence.
- Minimally invasive procedures are not an option: If angioplasty or stenting is not feasible because of the location or severity of the blockage, bypass surgery may be the best alternative.
Your doctor at the Center for Vascular Care at HCA will evaluate your condition using tests such as ultrasound and angiography to determine whether bypass surgery is necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Bypass Surgery for PAD?
If our team determines that you need bypass surgery, you’ll see some key benefits, including:
- Improved blood circulation: Through this procedure we create a new pathway to bypass the blocked artery and restore proper blood flow to your affected limb.
- Pain relief and improved mobility: Most of our patients experience significant reductions in leg pain, making it easier to walk and take part in other regular daily activities.
- Faster healing of wounds and ulcers: Better circulation promotes tissue healing and lowers your risk of infection.
- Reduced risk of amputation: Bypass surgery can also prevent limb loss by restoring oxygen-rich blood to the affected areas.
While bypass surgery is highly effective, long-term success does depend on your dedication to maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, and following up with your vascular specialist at the Center for Vascular Care at HCA.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Circulation
If you are struggling with persistent pain, wounds that won’t heal, or limited mobility due to peripheral artery disease, you may want to consider bypass surgery. At the Center for Vascular Care at HCA, our team can provide you with the resources you need to take control of your heart health. Contact us today to make an appointment to find out more about our treatment options and how we can provide you with a personalized diagnosis.