CPT® Code 35549

Deleted

A bypass graft, specifically a bilateral aortoiliofemoral vein bypass graft, is a surgical procedure designed to restore blood flow in patients with significant arterial blockages in the aorta and iliac arteries. This procedure involves the use of a vein, typically harvested from the patient's leg, to create a new pathway for blood to bypass the obstructed areas. The term "aortoiliofemoral" refers to the anatomical regions involved: the aorta, which is the main artery supplying blood to the body, the iliac arteries that branch off from the aorta to supply blood to the pelvis and legs, and the femoral arteries that further distribute blood to the lower extremities. The surgery is performed through an incision in the abdomen and groin, allowing the surgeon to access the aorta and iliac arteries directly. The procedure is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to peripheral artery disease, such as claudication, ischemic rest pain, or critical limb ischemia, where blood flow is severely compromised. The goal of the bypass graft is to alleviate these symptoms and improve overall blood circulation to the lower limbs, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life and reducing the risk of complications associated with poor blood flow.