Anesthesia for lower extremity bypass

Abstract

Arterial disease of the lower extremities is usually due to obstructing atherosclerosis. The primary goal of vascular surgery is to restore blood flow and preserve limb function. Patients undergoing surgical revascularization of the lower extremities often have several comorbidities, which can be challenging for the anesthesia provider. The goal for perioperative care in these patients is to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality, especially from major adverse cardiovascular events. In this chapter, we present a brief description of preoperative assessment and optimization of patients, general versus regional anesthesia, perioperative monitoring, intraoperative goals, and postoperative care for patients undergoing vascular bypass operations of the lower extremities.