
An aortobifemoral bypass is a major surgery that has a success rate of about 80% and a mortality rate of about 2%-5%. The goal of the surgery is to redirect blood flow around a blocked artery and reduce symptoms for at least 10 years, provided precautions are taken.
What are the risks of an aortobifemoral bypass?
An aortobifemoral bypass is typically done under general anesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours. You may need to stay for a few days in the hospital after the surgery and take it easy for about 4-6 weeks after you get discharged.
Complications associated with the procedure mainly depend on your general health and whether you have any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or kidney disease.
Risks associated with aortobifemoral bypass include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Graft failure or blockage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage
- Respiratory failure
How is an aortobifemoral bypass done?
During an aortobifemoral bypass, a path is created to redirect blood flow between the aorta (major blood vessel carrying blood from the heart) and the two femoral arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from the blood vessels in the abdomen to the legs). The procedure is done when there is an obstruction to the flow of blood due to a narrowed or blocked segment of the artery.
The surgeon creates a bypass or a direct connection between the aorta and the femoral arteries to facilitate blood flow to the lower limbs. A synthetic graft shaped like an inverted “Y” is used. The stem of the Y emerges from the aorta in the abdomen and the two top parts of the Y are connected to the two femoral arteries beyond the site of obstruction or blockage.
Why is an aortobifemoral bypass done?
An aortobifemoral bypass is done when there is a blockage of blood vessels in the abdomen, groin, or pelvis. Reduced blood flow may cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, or skin color changes in the legs as well as sexual problems.
Symptoms may be mild initially, causing problems only when walking, running, or standing and relieved with rest. Over time, symptoms may appear even at rest and may interfere with daily tasks.
Major indications of aortobifemoral bypass include the following:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries due to the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery wall) of the abdominal aorta or iliac arteries
- Severe claudication symptoms (such as pain and cramps that are not relieved by rest or causing severe impairment in daily tasks or changes in the skin over the legs)
- Impotence
- Nonhealing ulcers over the feet or legs
- Aortic aneurysms (ballooning of the aorta) involving the iliac arteries (blood vessels that provide blood to the legs, pelvis, and pelvic organs including the reproductive organs)
- Acute abdominal aortic occlusion (a rare life-threatening condition that occurs due to sudden blockage of the abdominal aorta due to a blood clot or embolus)
- Critical limb-threatening ischemia (a serious condition occurring in an advanced stage of peripheral artery disease, causing symptoms such as pain, ulcers, and gangrene)

SLIDESHOW
Spider & Varicose Veins: Causes, Before and After Treatment Images See SlideshowBhimji S. Aortic Bifemoral (Aortobifemoral) Bypass. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1830241-overview#a5
Berger JS, Davies MG. Overview of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-lower-extremity-peripheral-artery-disease
Ibrahim D. Aortobifemoral bypass graft. Case study, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 24 May 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-31497
Dellehunt RE, Manna B. Aortofemoral Bypass. [Updated 2022 Jan 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542328/
Top How Serious Is Aortobifemoral Bypass Related Articles
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a ballooning or widening of the main artery (the aorta) as it courses down through the abdomen. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms produce no symptoms. Treatment may include observation or surgical repair.Aorta Picture
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. See a picture of the Aorta and learn more about the health topic.Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is performed to relieve angina in individuals who have failed medical therapy and are not good candidates for angioplasty (PTCA). CABG surgery is ideal for individuals with multiple narrowings in multiple coronary artery branches. Mortality and complications increase with:- older age,
- poor heart muscle function,
- disease obstructing the left main coronary artery,
- diabetes,
- chronic kidney failure,
- and chronic lung disease.
Healthy Eating: Foods That Help Increase Blood Flow Circulation
Good blood flow circulation occurs when you eat the right foods. Choose cayenne pepper, beets, berries, fatty fish, pomegranate, garlic, walnuts, grapes, turmeric, spinach, and citrus fruit to keep blood flowing.How Serious Is a Lower Extremity Bypass?
Like all surgical procedures, there are significant risks involved in lower extremity bypass. Learn about 11 potential complications and what to expect during the surgery.Is Bypass Surgery Safe for a 75-Year-Old?
Above 70 percent of patients undergoing bypass surgery are older than 70 years. People older than 80 years, however, are now surviving bypass surgery.Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. While there are many causes of peripheral vascular disease, doctors commonly use the term peripheral vascular disease to refer to peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease symptoms include intermittent leg pain while walking, leg pain at rest, numbness in the legs or feet, and poor wound healing in the legs or feet. Treatment for peripheral artery disease include lifestyle measures, medication, angioplasty, and surgery.What Are Human Blood Vessels?
Blood vessels are small tube-like structures through which blood circulates throughout the human body. The blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs and remove carbon dioxide and waste away from the tissues and organs.What Are the Symptoms of Critical Limb Ischemia?
The main symptom of critical limb ischemia is pain in the legs and feet even when you are not moving, as well as non-healing skin ulcers and gangrene.What Is Aortobifemoral Bypass?
Aortobifemoral bypass surgery is done to redirect blood flow around narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the abdomen, pelvis, or groin. Find out why the surgery is done and how it is performed.What Is the Difference Between Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a broader term for the condition in which the arteries narrow and harden, leading to poor circulation of blood throughout the body. Atherosclerosis is a specific kind of arteriosclerosis, but these terms are often used interchangeably. Both conditions lead to decreased blood flow to other parts of the body. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, which may either start in childhood or late adulthood.What Is Lower Extremity Bypass?
Lower extremity bypass is a minimally-invasive procedure performed to enhance blood flow to the thigh, calf, or foot in an effort to improve walking or alleviate pain.