Arterial Bypass Surgery

Arterial bypass surgery creates a new route for blood flow around a blockage in a blood vessel.

UPMC vascular surgeons are regional leaders in performing arterial bypass procedures to treat moderate to severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) that has not responded to other treatments.

What Is Arterial Bypass Surgery?

Arterial bypass surgery creates a new route for blood flow around a blockage in a blood vessel. It is performed to treat moderate to severe peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

Conditions we treat with arterial bypass surgery

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Why Would I Need Arterial Bypass Surgery?

You may need this type of surgery if you have moderate to severe PAD and:

• Haven't responded well to other PAD treatments like lifestyle changes.
• You’re not a good candidate for angioplasty and stenting.

Who’s a candidate for arterial bypass surgery?

You may be a candidate for arterial bypass surgery if you have been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease and other treatments have not worked for you.

Your doctor may recommend arterial bypass surgery if you are not a candidate for other minimally invasive treatments, such as angioplasty and stenting.

Alternatives to arterial bypass surgery

• Lifestyle changes.
• Medication.
• Balloon angioplasty.
• Laser and atherectomy catheter-based procedures.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Arterial Bypass Surgery?

Like all surgical procedures, arterial bypass surgery has risks, including:

• Nerve injury.
• Bleeding or blood clots.
• Heart attack or stroke.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction.

What Should I Expect From Arterial Bypass Surgery?

Before: How to prepare for arterial bypass surgery

Your doctor will explain the arterial bypass surgery procedure and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

• Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart valve disease. You may need to receive an antibiotic before the procedure.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medications before the procedure.
• Fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
• Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

You will need to stay in the hospital for 3-7 days after your procedure. You should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.

How long does arterial bypass surgery take?

Arterial bypass surgery takes 2-6 hours, depending on:

• Your health condition.
• The location of blockages.
• The area your surgeon needs to bypass.

During your arterial bypass surgery

Your vascular surgeon will perform your arterial bypass surgery in the hospital. You will receive general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

To create the bypass, your surgeon will:

• Use a vein from another part of your body or a synthetic graft if you don't have a suitable vein.
• Make a small opening in the blocked artery.
• Sew the graft from above the blockage to a normal blood vessel below the blockage, making a new route for blood flow.

Recovery after arterial bypass surgery

Most people will spend 3-7 days in the hospital after arterial bypass surgery. You can expect the incision sites to:

• Cause mild pain or discomfort. Your care team will give you pain medicine.
• Swell.
• Drain.

Your vascular surgeon will give you details on how to care for your incision site at home. He or she will also let you know when you can return to your normal activities.

You’ll also need follow-up visits with your surgeon to check on the graft and ensure it works properly.

When to call your doctor about arterial bypass surgery complications

You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:

• Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the incision site.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Severe pain, coldness, numbness, swelling, or discoloration in the limb.
• A fever of more than 100.0°F or chills.
• Fainting, dizziness, or weakness.

If any of these symptoms are severe, you should dial 911 immediately.

What’s the prognosis after arterial bypass surgery?

Arterial bypass surgery is effective for restoring blood flow, improving symptoms, and reducing the risk of complications from peripheral artery disease.

What’s the success rate of arterial bypass surgery?

Arterial bypass surgery has a 90-95 percent success rate. However, you may need routine follow-up care to ensure your graft continues functioning and your condition does not return.

Why Choose UPMC for Arterial Bypass Surgery?

When you choose UPMC for arterial bypass surgery, you will benefit from:

• Our coordinated treatment approach — Our team of vascular surgeons works closely with other specialists to ensure complete care.
• Our vascular surgeons — Our vascular surgeons specialize in therapies for vascular disease and deliver outstanding results.
• Our experience — Our experts perform hundreds of minimally invasive and surgical procedures to treat vascular disease annually. UPMC is also a major referral center for people with complex vascular conditions. 

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.