Remote Superficial Femoral Artery Endarterectomy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy (RSFAE):

RSFAE is a procedure to remove plaque (fatty deposits) from inside your superficial femoral artery (SFA). The SFA is a large blood vessel found near your thigh. It supplies blood to your lower legs. Plaque may build up inside your SFA and decrease blood flow to your legs.

How to prepare for the procedure:

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
• Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
• Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or contrast liquid. You may be given contrast liquid during the procedure to help your provider see your blood vessel better.
• Your provider will tell you if you need any tests before your procedure, and when to have them.

What will happen during the procedure:

• You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during the procedure. You may instead be given local anesthesia to numb the procedure area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing, but you should not feel any pain.
• Your healthcare provider will make an incision near your groin. Your provider will use fluoroscopy (continuous x-rays) to show the blocked or narrowed area of the artery. An incision will be made in the artery and a small tool will be inserted to remove the plaque. Your provider may place a stent (small mesh tube) into the artery to help keep it open.
• Your provider will remove the tool and close the incisions with sutures. A pressure bandage may be applied to your groin incision.

What to expect after the procedure:

• You will be taken to a recovery room until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you for any problems.
• You may need to lie flat in bed and keep your leg straight for some time after the procedure. Do not get out of bed until your provider says it is okay.
• You may need to stay in the hospital overnight. You may instead be able to go home after the procedure.

Risks of RSFAE:

You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. The stent may move out of place or the artery may become narrow again. You will need another procedure to fix this. You may develop a blood clot. Your artery may be damaged or weakened. This can cause a rupture. An artery rupture is life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Seek care immediately if:

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• Your stitches come apart.
• Your incision site has increased bruising or swelling.
• Your incision site is red, warm to the touch, or draining fluid.

Call your doctor if:

• You have new or worsening numbness or weakness in your legs.
• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
  • Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
  • Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
  • Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
  • Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.

Care for the incision site as directed:

Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area. Do not get the area wet until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When it is okay to bathe, do not scrub the area. Just let water run over it. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions over your incision. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.

Self-care:

• Do not lift anything heavy until your healthcare provider says it is okay. This may be for a few weeks after your procedure.
• Ask when you can return to your regular daily activities. Your provider will tell you when you can go back to work, drive, or do other activities.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, lean meat, and fish. Choose fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and fresh tuna. Ask your provider for more information on a heart healthy diet and the DASH eating plan.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel damage and delay healing. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need to have tests to check the blood flow to your legs. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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