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Femoro Popliteal Bypass

What Is Femoro-Popliteal Bypass Surgery?

Femoropopliteal bypass surgery (aka fem-pop bypass surgery) is a procedure in which surgeons reroute femoral and popliteal blood flow either through a blood vessel transplanted from a healthier part of the leg or through a prosthetic vessel.  It is a sort of detour around blocked or damaged blood vessels near the knee.  The transplanted vessel then serves as a conduit between the femoral and popliteal arteries. 

Femoropopliteal bypass surgery begins with a consultation where the surgeon determines whether to redirect the flow through an existing vein, or to use a graft material.  Most doctors prefer to use an alternate vein.  Studies suggest that using alternate veins produce better results.  Doctors use general anesthesia or an epidural injection to put patients to sleep before the procedure in order to reduce pain and discomfort.     

Patients can expect to remain in the hospital for 2 to 4 days after the procedure, although initial recovery (sitting up and walking around) may begin as early as 24 hours later.  Although femoropopliteal bypass surgery is typically successful in alleviating blockage symptoms, it is usually viewed as a last resort when more conservative treatments have not worked.  The surgery is reserved for patients whose symptoms are so severe that amputation is a potential consideration.  Like most procedures, fem-pop bypass surgery carries a number of risks.  Patients should discuss potential side effects such as infection, failed or blocked grafts, excessive bleeding, heart attack, and swelling.