Femoral Popliteal Bypass Using Prosthetic Graft in a Human Anatomical Donor

Presentation Type

Poster

Conference Date

Spring 4-17-2026

Abstract

Gross anatomy dissection is the cornerstone of anatomy education and surgical training. During routine dissection in an undergraduate cadaver dissection course at Louisiana State University, a bypass of the left femoral artery using a polytetrafluoroethylene prosthetic graft was discovered in a 71 year old male anatomical donor, who died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  The femoral artery is the primary source of blood flow to the lower extremity. Generally, its proximal end originates from the femoral triangle, inferior to the inguinal ligament, and continues distally through the adductor hiatus where it becomes the popliteal artery supplying blood to the knee joint and remaining lower limb.2 Upon further exploration, the bypass was determined necessary due to a complete atherosclerotic blockage of the femoral artery near its proximal end. Bypass procedures are frequently performed in individuals who suffer from extensive atherosclerotic changes in vessels which can cause peripheral arterial ischemia.4 Salvaging of the affected limb is done using either venous or prosthetic grafting material to bypass the affected vessel and achieve revascularization.3,4 Autogenous great saphenous vein is the most reliable grafting material for vessels below the inguinal ligament, however when the presence of an adequate autogenous vein is limited by anatomic unsuitability or other bypass operations, prosthetic grafts are an acceptable alternative and offer similar patency.1 We will present the unique findings of a prosthetic femoropopliteal graft in a human anatomical donor and discuss how observed anatomic abnormalities and potential comorbidities may have influenced arterial graft type.

Presenter

Irene Kaiser & Graham Mizell

Faculty Mentor

Melissa Thompson

Award

3rd Place, LSU College of Human Sciences & Education

Academic Major

Kinesiology & Honors Tradition in Critical Thought & Scholarship; Kinesiology

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS