Leg Artery Blockage
- Blockages in the leg arteries typically present as pain or cramping in the hip, thigh, or lower leg when walking, which subsides with rest.
- As the narrowing progresses, non-healing wounds and gangrene may develop in the foot.
- Sudden onset of leg pain, coldness, and inability to walk may indicate an acute arterial blockage due to a blood clot. Early diagnosis of such blockages is crucial—surgical removal of the clot within hours can save the limb.
Leg Artery Bypass Surgery
- The main artery (aorta) divides into two branches at the abdominal level and reaches the groin. Below the knee, it further branches into three arteries that supply blood to the entire leg down to the feet.
- The treatment plan depends on the level at which the artery is narrowed or blocked.
- For blockages inside the abdomen, balloon angioplasty and stenting are generally preferred whenever possible. Open abdominal surgery is more challenging in the postoperative period. Moreover, these are large arteries, and endovascular (angiographic) procedures tend to have high long-term success rates.
- For blockages between the groin and the knee, balloon angioplasty and stenting can be performed if the anatomy is suitable. However, if the artery is completely blocked and not suitable for angioplasty, a bypass surgery using a synthetic graft is performed from the groin to the artery behind the knee (femoro-popliteal bypass).
- The approach for blockages below the knee is different. If at least one of the three arteries supplying the foot is open, and as long as there are no open wounds or severely limited walking distance, the condition is usually managed with medication. If intervention is necessary, the appropriate artery is opened with balloon angioplasty. If a bypass is required, the patient’s own leg vein (saphenous vein) is preferred when possible.
- Blockages in leg arteries are usually found in multiple locations. Therefore, a comprehensive surgical plan may include balloon-stent treatment for abdominal arteries, bypass surgery from the groin to the knee, and balloon angioplasty for below-knee arteries. Ideally, all these procedures should be performed in a single surgical session to fully restore circulation to the foot.
Upper Leg Artery Blockage
Upper Leg Artery Blockage
Below-the-Knee Artery Blockage
Below-the-Knee Artery Blockage
Leg Artery Blockage
Gradually developing and progressively worsening symptoms are usually due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In such cases, treatment may involve leg bypass surgery using a synthetic or artificial graft, balloon angioplasty with stenting, or a combination of both.
