Medically Reviewed by Dr.Parishwanath Patil ,Cardio Vascular Thoracic Surgery
Written by KLE Editorial Contributors
A Brachial Artery Bypass is a surgery performed to restore blood flow in the arm when the brachial artery becomes narrowed or blocked. The brachial artery is the main blood vessel in the upper arm, supplying oxygen-rich blood to the forearm and hand. When this artery is blocked due to trauma, atherosclerosis or other conditions, it can lead to severe pain, numbness or even tissue damage in the affected arm. A bypass surgery helps reroute the blood flow around the blockage using a graft, which improves blood circulation and relieves symptoms.
A Brachial Artery Bypass is a vascular surgery where a surgeon creates a new pathway (bypass) for blood to flow around a blocked or damaged segment of the brachial artery. This is done using a vein graft from the patient's own body (usually the saphenous vein from the leg) or a synthetic graft. The goal is to ensure adequate blood supply reaches the forearm and hand and prevent complications like tissue loss or chronic ischemic pain.
A brachial artery bypass is recommended when there is a blockage or damage to the artery that cannot be managed with medicines or less invasive procedures. Some common indications of brachial artery bypass surgery include:
The surgery is always performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgery includes the following steps:
The procedure typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity.
Like any surgical procedure, brachial artery bypass also carries certain risks and complications like:
Careful post-operative care and medicines like blood thinners can reduce these risks.
Recovery after the surgery depends on the patient’s health condition, response to the treatment and the severity of the condition. You can follow the below safety precautions for a better result:
Most patients can return to their normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks based on how they are healing and responding to the recovery process.
The success rate of brachial artery bypass is generally high when performed by an experienced vascular surgeon:
While there’s a small chance of graft blockage or recurrence, most patients experience significant relief and improved arm function post-surgery.
If surgery is required, here’s what patients can expect during the brachial artery bypass procedure:
During the Surgery:
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Recovery after brachial artery surgery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore full function of the arm.
Signs of brachial artery occlusion include sudden arm pain, numbness, weakness, coldness, and a pale or bluish color of the affected limb. In severe cases, there may be no detectable pulse below the site of blockage.
No, bypass surgery is not always necessary. The treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may be treated with repair or endovascular techniques, while severe damage or occlusion may require bypass surgery.
Yes, blood clots in the brachial artery can sometimes be treated with thrombolytic (clot-busting) medications or catheter-based interventions. However, surgical removal may be necessary if non-surgical methods are ineffective.
Risks of upper limb bypass surgery include infection, bleeding, graft failure, nerve injury, and complications related to anesthesia. There is also a risk of blood clots or poor circulation if the graft doesn’t function properly.
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