Femoral Endarterectomy

A femoral endarterectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) by removing plaque buildup from the femoral artery—a major artery in the thigh that supplies blood to the leg. The procedure is typically performed under anesthesia through an incision in the groin area. The surgeon opens the artery, removes the hardened plaque that is restricting blood flow, and then repairs the artery, often using a patch to widen and reinforce it. By clearing the blockage, this procedure helps restore proper circulation to the leg, reducing symptoms like claudication (leg pain while walking) and lowering the risk of non-healing wounds or limb loss. It is most often considered when less invasive treatments, such as medication or angioplasty, have not been effective.