A peripheral bypass using a Y graft is a surgical procedure to reroute blood flow around a blockage in a major artery, most commonly in the legs. The procedure involves creating a Y-shaped graft (either synthetic or a vein from elsewhere in the body) and stitching the single end into the artery above the blockage and the two split ends below the blockage, creating a new pathway for blood to flow. This bypass surgery is used to improve circulation to the legs, feet, and toes in cases of severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) that cannot be treated with less invasive methods.
How it works
- A Y-graft is a fabric tube that is bifurcated (split into two) like the letter “Y”.
- The single end of the graft is sewn into the main artery, usually the aorta in the abdomen.
- The two split ends are then sewn into a lower artery, such as the femoral artery in the groin or further down the leg.
- This creates a new path for blood to flow around the narrowed or blocked section of the original artery, improving blood flow to the legs.