CPT® Code 35556

A femoral-popliteal bypass graft is a surgical procedure designed to restore blood flow in the leg by creating a new pathway for blood to travel from the femoral artery to the popliteal artery. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who have significant arterial blockages or occlusions that impede blood flow, often due to conditions such as peripheral artery disease. The surgery involves making an incision in the groin area to access the femoral artery and another incision behind the knee to expose the popliteal artery. A vein graft, often harvested from the saphenous vein in the leg, is used to create a bypass around the blocked segment of the artery. The process includes careful dissection of the vein, ligation of branches, and precise anastomosis of the graft to both the femoral and popliteal arteries. This procedure is critical for improving circulation, alleviating symptoms such as pain and cramping in the legs, and preventing complications associated with poor blood flow, such as tissue necrosis or limb loss.