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Atherosclerotic disease typically causes blockages not only in the coronary arteries but in all the arteries of the body. When there is a blockage in a peripheral artery (arm or leg artery) the patient can suffer disability from severe pain, muscle weakness or tissue loss. Surgeons can bypass blocked peripheral arteries using the patients own leg veins or with synthetic grafts. Improved blood flow to the affected arm or leg provides pain relief and return to normal functional capacity.