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Longer blockages are bypassed using a plastic tube or vein from the leg (bypass graft). This is a major operation under general anaesthetic and involves being in hospital for about a week to ten days.
The decision about surgery is usually one for you to make yourself after your specialist has explained the likelihood of success and the risks involved. More detailed information about these procedures is also available (please see operations page).
5. Do drugs help?
Although there are quite a number of proprietary tablets and drugs on the market there is very little evidence that they actually help - drugs will not unblock the artery. Perhaps your doctor has already tried one of these drugs in your case, so that you can judge for yourself. Aspirin should be prescribed because it makes the blood less sticky and may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
6. What is the risk of losing my leg?
Very few patients with intermittent claudication end up with an amputation and your specialist will make every effort to avoid it. The most important thing is that you improve your lifestyle - keep walking, lose weight and stop smoking!
Patient information prepared by Mr S. Ashley MS, FRCS, Consultant Vascular Surgeon and The Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland
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