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INDICATIONS FOR PROCEDURE
* Femoral popliteal bypass, which is the most common bypass procedure in an extremity, is performed to treat an occlusion caused by plaque buildup in the femoral artery from atherosclerosis.1-3
* It restores blood flow via a graft.1
* It may be indicated in patients with
o symptoms of peripheral vascular disease that are not improved by lifestyle changes or medication,
o leg pain at rest or that inhibits work or daily life,
o wounds that will not heal,
o infection,
o gangrene, or
o a risk of amputation from reduced blood flow.3
PREPARING FOR PROCEDURE
* In addition to standard vascular sets, Gelpi retractors, Garret or Weitlaner retractors, a tunneling device, vessel loops, and equipment for angiography should be assembled.1
* Hair at the surgical site should be removed with clippers if it may hinder performance of the procedure.1
* The perioperative RN should prep the patient from the umbilicus to the foot of the operative leg, including the entire groin.1
* The operative leg should be prepped circumferentially.1
PATIENT POSITIONING
The patient is placed in a supine position, with the knee flexed and the hip rotated and abducted.1
To perform a femoral popliteal bypass procedure with a saphenous vein graft, the surgeon will
I. vertically incise the medial side of the upper thigh;
2. dissect down to the...