CPT® Code 35537

A bypass graft is a surgical procedure designed to create an alternative pathway for blood flow around a diseased or obstructed segment of the lower aorta, specifically to one or both iliac arteries. This procedure utilizes a vein that is either harvested from the patient’s own body or obtained from a donor. The operation begins with a lower abdominal incision, which allows the surgeon to access the aorta directly. Once the aorta is exposed, clamps are applied above the area of obstruction to control blood flow. In some cases, the aorta may be tied off above the obstructed section. The next step involves suturing one end of the harvested vein graft to the aorta, establishing a connection that will facilitate blood flow. To ensure the integrity of the anastomosis, a vessel clamp is placed on the venous graft while the aortic clamp is released, allowing the surgeon to check for any leaks at the connection site. Following this, the iliac artery is clamped distal to the anastomosis site, and through a separate incision, the other end of the vein graft is sutured into the iliac artery. The surgeon will again check for leaks and ensure that the graft is patent before closing the abdominal incision. This surgical intervention effectively provides a new route for blood to bypass the obstructed portion of the aorta, thereby restoring adequate blood flow to the lower extremities.