Understanding the difference between theory and practice: The extracranial-intracranial bypass trials in prevention of ischemic stroke

BackgroundPatients with atherosclerotic carotid or middle cerebral artery occlusions suffer ischemic events that might theoretically be preventable with a surgical extracranial-intracranial bypass, but theory by itself does not justify surgical interventions.MethodsWe review landmark randomized trials on EC-IC bypass surgery for the treatment of ischemic stroke in patients with atherosclerotic stenoses or occlusions.ResultsThe initial EC-IC bypass trial from 1985 did not show any clinical benefit from surgery. The carotid occlusion surgery study (COSS) performed more than 20 years later included only patients highly selected to potentially benefit from bypass by using modern perfusion studies. While EC-IC bypasses were successfully created and they did improve cerebral perfusion, the COSS study also failed to show any clinical benefit to the participating patients.ConclusionNeurosurgical interventions must not only work in theory; they must improve patient outcomes in real practice.     

Cerebral revascularization using cadaveric vein grafts

BackgroundUse of cadaveric cryopreserved saphenous vein grafts (CSVGs) has been described for peripheral vascular and coronary revascularization. The aim of this study is to recognize CSVGs as a potential alternative to autologous conduits for extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass in patients without available or suitable saphenous vein graft or radial artery. We report the short-term patency rate of CSVGs in EC-IC bypass.MethodsWe present our preliminary experience in 10 patients using CSVG for cerebral revascularization. Data regarding operative indications, patient demographics, and bypass patency were collected.ResultsThe average age was 56 years old with equal sex distribution. The indications for the procedure were giant aneurysms in 7 patients, medically refractory vertebrobasilar ischemia in 2, and a skull base tumor in 1. ABO/Rh blood group compatible CSVG was used in each case. Postoperative angiography demonstrated patency in all cases. Quantitative magnetic resonance angiography was performed in 8 patients, demonstrating a mean bypass flow of 109 mL/min ± 19 mL/min (mean ± SE).ConclusionsUse of CSVG for EC-IC bypass has not previously been reported. In our series, the short-term patency rate was 100%, better than that found in cardiac and peripheral vascular series, possibly because of the higher flow in EC-IC bypasses. Our preliminary experience suggests that CSVGs may be an option in patients without available autologous conduits, although longer follow-up is needed to assess long-term patency.     

Effects of STA-MCA anastomosis for ischaemic oculopathy due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery

Summary Effects of STA-MCA anastomosis on two patients with neovascular glaucoma due to occlusion of the internal carotid artery are presented. Both patients improved in visual acuity and central retinal artery pressure as well as in signs of transient ischaemic attack. Postoperative angiography showed a marked decrease in collateral flow through the ophthalmic artery, which is reversed from the normal direction, with the development of blood flow through the anastomosis. Discussion is offered indicating that the lack of collateral flow through both the anterior and posterior communicating arteries is important in addition to occlusion of the internal carotid artery in order to produce full-blown ischaemic oculopathy such as venous stasis retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma or rubeosis iridis. It is stressed that EC-IC bypass surgery should be performed soon after the appearance of ischaemia and before the development of neovascular glaucoma or rubeosis iridis in order to obtain normal vision. In ischaemic oculopathy the results of EC-IC bypass can be evaluated objectively and quantitatively by many noninvasive neuro-ophthalmological tests which are important in discussing the efficacy of the bypass surgery.     

Endoscopic saphenous vein graft harvest for extracranial-intracranial bypass procedures

BACKGROUND: The introduction of endoscopic harvest of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) for coronary artery bypass procedures over the past few years has reduced the morbidity and enhanced patient satisfaction associated with this procedure. This report introduces the use of the endoscopic SVG harvest for extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass procedures. METHODS: Endoscopic SVG harvest has been performed in more than 4000 patients at Duke University Medical Center from 1998 to 2003. We have performed 4 such procedures for EC-IC bypass, including 3 for the treatment of large or giant cerebral aneurysms and 1 for symptomatic middle cerebral artery occlusion. A 2-cm transverse incision is made to harvest 25- to 30-cm segment of SVG using a VasoView graft harvest system (Guidant Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Menlo Park, CA). Skin closure was performed using a 4-0 Vicryl subcuticular stitch. RESULTS: Endoscopic SVG harvest was possible in each of the 4 patients. No graft leaks were visualized microscopically with infusion pressure testing of the graft before graft anastomosis, and no postoperative graft harvest complications (infection, hematoma, dehiscence, etc) were encountered in either the immediate or long-term follow-up (mean, 14 months). CONCLUSIONS: The use of endoscopic SVG harvest presents an attractive alternative to open SVG harvest for EC-IC bypass procedures. A high-quality long graft may be harvested with apparent decreased morbidity via this minimally invasive technique.     

Cerebral revascularization for ischemic disease in the 21st century

Shortly after the first extracranial to intracranial (EC-IC) carotid artery bypass was performed by Yasargil in 1967 for internal carotid artery occlusion, cerebral revascularization became widely accepted in the neurosurgical field, and the procedures became increasingly used as practitioners began to master the technical aspects of the surgery. The procedures were performed for intracranial arterial stenosis and occlusion and used as an adjunct in the treatment of large aneurysms and skull base tumors. The results of the EC-IC bypass group trial in 1985 were surprising to many and sobering to all; EC-IC bypass for stenosis or occlusion of the high internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery did not decrease the risk of subsequent stroke compared with medical management. Rather, the incidence of stroke increased, and the events were noted to occur sooner than with medical therapy alone. Despite the known limitations of this landmark study, the number of EC-IC bypass procedures fell precipitously over the ensuing decades. Despite this significant setback, cerebral revascularization is not obsolete. This article revisits the sequence of events leading to the rise of revascularization surgery and recaps the impact of the EC-IC bypass trial. The limitations of the trial are discussed, as are current studies evaluating the efficacy of cerebrovascular bypass procedures for symptomatic carotid occlusive disease. The authors review the accepted indications for bypass surgery in the early 21st century.     

Myocardial ischaemia as judged from transoesophageal echocardiography and ECG in the early phase after coronary artery bypass surgery

The incidence of myocardial ischaemia, as diagnosed by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) versus ECG, and the relationship between ischaemic events and haemodynamic parameters were studied in 30 patients in the early phase after coronary artery bypass grafting. Information comprising invasive haemodynamics, TEE measurements, and 12-lead ECG was obtained on arrival of the patient in the intensive care unit (ICU), and then hourly in the ICU for 5 h. In the ICU, TEE signs of ischaemia were found in 14 patients and ECG signs of ischaemia in six patients. The ischaemic events were not related to levels of blood pressure or heart rate. Three patients showed signs of myocardial infarction postoperatively. All three of these patients showed both TEE and ECG signs of ischaemia in the ICU. It was concluded that TEE reveals more ischaemic events than ECG in the early postoperative period and that these ischaemic events do not correlate with the haemodynamic indices.     

Clinical outcome of standard extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery in patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic occlusion of the internal carotid artery

Summary Objective. In this retrospective study we wanted to determine the role of cerebral revascularization in patients with symptomatic occlusive cerebrovascular disease. Special emphasis was put on subsequent cerebrovascular events, benefit in neurological functioning and bypass patency, as evaluated during the follow-up period.Methods. A total of 73 superficial temporal artery to the middle cerebral artery bypasses were performed on 67 patients from 1986–2000. All patients exhibited a symptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery verified by angiography. All patients in our group were refractory to medical treatment. 65 patients (69 bypasses) with a mean age of 61 years (range: 38–79 years) were followed up over an average time of 44 months (range: 1.5–150 months).Results. The peri-operative morbidity rate was 3% with no mortality. 55 patients (85%) had no further cerebrovascular events after surgery, and only 7 (11%) patients experienced another cerebrovascular event. 57 (88%) patients showed an improvement of symptoms after surgery and only 1 patient fared worse during the follow-up peroid due to a stroke he suffered two years after bypass surgery. 90% of all bypasses remained patent during the follow-up.Conclusions. Although bypass surgery for occlusive cerebrovascular disease is still controversial, our retrospective study suggests both an improvement of symptoms and signs and a risk-reduction for future cerebrovascular events after surgery.     

Fate of claudicants after femoropopliteal vein bypass: prospective, long-term follow-up of 100 patients

Femoropopliteal bypass grafting for claudication is a controversial procedure. One hundred consecutive patients so treated were analysed for vein-graft patency, subsequent operation and survival. Initial success, treatment of incipient graft failure and attrition from death were the three critical factors influencing long-term benefit. Cumulative graft patency, after revision when necessary, was 89%, 86% and 78% at 2, 5 and 10 years respectively. In assessing the real benefit of surgery in this group, it is important to consider the effect of late deaths, as the life expectancy of these patients is so often shortened by related disease; the "cumulative palliation" (patient alive and graft patent) was 82%, 67% and 28% at the same time intervals. The concept of cumulative palliation sets a high standard in assessing results of vascular surgery, adding important information to the usual graft patency rates that ignore the effect of death. These results suggest a place for femoropopliteal vein bypass grafting in selected claudicants.     

非体外循环与体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植血管中远期通畅率比较

目的 比较非体外循环不停跳与体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植手术后中远期移植血管的通畅率.方法 对同一术者行冠状动脉旁路移植手术后5年以上病例50例.按手术方式分为两组.第1组采用传统体外循环下进行冠状动脉旁路移植(体外循环组,25例);第2组采用非体外循环不停跳技术进行冠状动脉旁路移植(非体外循环组,25例).对所有病例进行冠状动脉造影随访,比较两组移植血管的通畅情况.结果 两组均男21例,女4例.第1组手术年龄(55.4±8.9)岁;随访70～110个月,平均(86.52±12.48)个月;移植血管共83支,其中动脉移植血管41支,静脉移植血管42支,平均移植血管(3.32±0.63)支/例;随访移植血管通畅61支,狭窄6支,闭塞16支,动脉移植物通畅率为78.05%,静脉通畅率69.05%,总通畅率73.49%.第2组手术年龄(58.2±9.09)岁;移植血管共65支,其中动脉移植血管31支,静脉移植血管34支,平均移植血管(2.52±0.71)支/例,随访64～99个月,平均(82.68±12.48)个月;随访移植血管通畅47支,狭窄4支,闭塞14支,动脉移植物通畅率为74.19%,静脉通畅率70.59%,总通畅率72.31%.结论 非体外循环不停跳冠状动脉旁路移植手术移植血管中远期通畅率与传统体外循环手术一致,均可达到较好的中远期疗效.

Abstract：

Objective Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is used more widely in recent years in China. However, there is an argument on benefits and risks of off-pump surgery. Many studies shown that OPCAB had more benefits in short-term outcomes than conventional coronary artery bypass grafting(CCABG). But evidences from other studies suggested that OPCAB resulted in less long-term graft patency as compared with on-pump surgery. This study examined the longterm graft patency of OPCAB and CCABG performed by one surgeon. Methods 50 patients who had received surgical revascularization by a surgeon for more than 5 years were reviewed, 25 patients received conventional coronary artery bypass grafting ( group 1 ) and 25 patients received OPCAB ( group 2). All patients had angiograms for compareing the graft patency between the two groups. Results Among 25 patients in group 1,21 were male and 4 were female. The mean age of patients at surgery was (55.4 ±8.9) years. 15 cases had unstable angina, 16 patients had old myocardial infarction and 6 cases had diabetes.The ejection fraction (EF) was 0.58 ±0.14. The mean number of bypasses per patient was 3.32 ±0.63. Mean duration of operation was (3.58 ± 0. 82) hours. Mean follow-up duration was ( 86.52 ± 12.48) months. 83 grafts were evaluated for patency ( open vs. closed) and were graded by Fitzgibbon as grade A ( excellent graft), B ( impaired graft, with a stenosis of ≥50%, or a diameter less than 50% of the grafted artery), or O ( completely occluded). The graft patency was 73.49%, 61grafts were graded as Fitzgibbon A, 6 grafts as Fitzgibbon B and 16 grafts as Fitzgibbon 0. 25 patients were in group 2, 21males and 4 females. The mean age of patients at procedure was (58.2 ± 9.09) years, 11 patients had unstable angina, 13 patients had old myocardial infarction and 6 cases had diabetes. The ejection fraction (EF) was 0.59 ± 0. 14. Conclusion No 2011.03.013 difference in long-term graft patency was identified between on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Off-pump oronary artery bypass grafting preformed by an experienced surgeon may gain similar long-term graft patency to that of conventional bypass.     

Extraperitoneal unilateral iliac artery bypass for chronic lower limb ischaemia

Extraperitoneal unilateral iliac artery bypass was used to treat chronic lower limb ischaemia in 105 patients (110 operations). This represented 20% of all operations for aorto-iliac disease. Unilateral iliac bypass was the preferred primary procedure for 99 operations, and was used to correct complications in one limb of a prior aortic bifurcation graft in the other 11. Ipsilateral femoropopliteal vein grafts were also performed in 45 legs (43%), prior to the iliac bypass in 18, as a synchronous operation in nine, and at a later date in 18 legs. This was a much higher proportion of combined operations than for patients by aortic bifurcation grafts (12%). Only 5 patients later required further proximal surgery, one for a blocked graft and four for contralateral iliac disease. The cumulative patency rate in surviving patients was 91% at 3 years. For the claudicants and for iliofemoral bypass operations, only one graft occluded, within 5 years, and no grafts occluded for operations where the superficial femoral artery was patent. The cumulative patency rates at 3 years were 85% for patients with critical ischaemia, 82% for ilioprofunda bypass operations, and 88% for operations where the superficial femoral artery was occluded. The cumulative foot-salvage rate in surviving patients initially treated for critical ischaemia was 77% at 3 years. The cumulative survival rate was 90% at 3 years. Extraperitoneal unilateral iliac bypass is now preferred as the primary operation for patients with apparent unilateral iliac disease causing severe ischaemia, if balloon dilatation is not appropriate or has failed.     

EC-IC bypass surgery using a long vein graft--reconstructive procedures for the occluded long vein grafts

EC-IC bypass using a long vein graft has an advantage creating a large amount of blood flow immediately after the anastomosis, but on the other hand, disadvantage of relatively frequent incidence of the vein graft occlusion. In this report, we present three kinds of reconstructive operative procedures for the stenotic or occluded long vein grafts. Type A: A long vein graft bypass between external carotid and posterior cerebral artery was found occluded intraoperatively by the thrombosis occurred where the vein graft was injured during harvesting. Reconstruction was made simply by resecting the occluded segment of the graft and end-to-end suturing. Type B: A long vein graft used in subclavian artery-middle cerebral artery bypass was occluded three days postoperatively at the supraclavicular fossa by bleeding from the anastomosis site. The vein graft was found compressed and thrombosed. We reconstructed the occluded bypass by resecting the occluded supraclavicular segment and interposing a short vein graft with end-to-end anastomosis. Then, thrombectomy of the remaining vein graft was followed. Type C: A long vein graft used in external carotid-middle cerebral artery bypass stenosed at the anastomosis site with the external carotid artery a day after the operation. The stenotic bypass was successfully reconstructed by bridging a new short vein graft from another portion of the external carotid artery on the long vein graft distal to the stenotic site. All the long vein grafts we have done reconstructive surgery have been working well one to four years follow-up periods. So, we conclude that whenever a long vein graft occludes it should be reconstructed promptly before the vein graft becomes necrotic.     

Crural Artery Bypass with the Autogenous Greater Saphenous Vein

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of greater saphenous vein (GSV) infrapopliteal revascularisation in a single centre over a 10 year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourty-one variables relating to a consecutive series of 90 crural artery GSV(76% in situ) bypasses in 81 patients (1990-2000) were analysed. The mean age of the 47 men and 34 women was 70 years. Limb-threatening ischaemia was present in 96% of cases, claudication in four patients. In 18 patients, surgery was 'redo'. RESULTS: The perioperative mortality was 3% (n=3). Patient survival was 54% at 4 years. Independent risk factors affecting survival were chronic renal insufficiency (p=0.04), hypertension (p=0.02), and ischaemic heart disease (p=0.01). Four bypasses thrombosed within 30 days. Three of them could be successfully reopened. Mean follow-up was 39 months. The primary patency rate at 4 years was 80%. Chronic renal insufficiency revealed to be the single independent risk factor for graft thrombosis (p=0.03, RR=12.4). The 4-year limb salvage rate was 88%. No independent risk factor affecting the limb salvage could be identified. CONCLUSION: Crural artery revascularisation is a valuable option for the management of limb threatening infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease.     

Results of Prospective Cohort Study on Symptomatic Cerebrovascular Occlusive Disease Showing Mild Hemodynamic Compromise [Japanese Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Trial (JET)-2 Study]

The purpose of this study is to determine the true threshold of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) for subsequent ischemic stroke without extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery in patients with hemodynamic ischemia due to symptomatic major cerebral arterial occlusive diseases. Patients were categorized based on rest CBF and CVR into four subgroups as follows: Group A, 80% < CBF < 90% and CVR < 10%; Group B, CBF < 80% and 10% < CVR < 20%; Group C, 80% < CBF < 90% and 10% < CVR < 20%; and Group D, CBF < 90% and 20% < CVR < 30%. Patients were followed up for 2 years under best medical treatment by the stroke neurologists. Primary and secondary end points were defined as all adverse events and ipsilateral stroke recurrence respectively. A total of 132 patients were enrolled. All adverse events were observed in 9 patients (3.5%/year) and ipsilateral stroke recurrence was observed only in 2 patients (0.8%/year). There was no significant difference among the four subgroups in terms of the rate of both primary and secondary end points. Compared with the medical arm of the Japanese EC-IC bypass trial (JET) study including patients with CBF < 80% and CVR < 10% as a historical control, the incidence of ipsilateral stroke recurrence was significantly lower in the present study. Patients with symptomatic major cerebral arterial occlusive diseases and mild hemodynamic compromise have a good prognosis under medical treatment. EC-IC bypass surgery is unlikely to benefit patients with CBF > 80% or CVR > 10%.     

内窥镜游离与全程切开法静脉桥血管通畅率的初步研究

目的 比较冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)中内窥镜与全程切开法采集大隐静脉后静脉桥血管近、中期通畅率,分析影响静脉桥血管通畅率的危险因素.方法 回顾性分析解放军总医院2006年5月至2009年5月择期行CABG中采用内窥镜游离法制备大隐静脉60例(EVH组)的临床资料,其中男34例,女26例;年龄66.6±9.2岁.同期...     

Does an adjuvant AV-fistula improve the patency of a femorocrural PTFE bypass with distal vein cuff in critical leg ischaemia?--a prospective randomised multicentre trial.

INTRODUCTION: A lack of suitable veins can cause serious problems when attempting to revascularise critically ischaemic legs. Prosthetic grafts have much worse patency in the femocrural position, despite the use of distal anastomotic cuffs. The use of adjuvant AV-fistula at the distal anastomosis should increase the graft flow above the thrombotic threshold velocity and thus increase prosthetic graft patency. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefit of an adjuvant AV-fistula on the patency of a femorocrural PTFE bypass with a distal vein cuff. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomised multicentre trial was conducted in four centres. A total of 59 patients with critical leg ischaemia and no suitable veins for grafting were randomised to receive a femocrural PTFE bypass and distal vein cuff, with or without an adjuvant AV-fistula. Thirty-one patients were randomised to the AV-fistula group (AVFG) and 28 to the control group (CG). Six patients were lost to follow-up during the 2-year study time. RESULTS: There were six immediate occlusions in each treatment group, but half of these were saved by re-operation. The mean postoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 0.85 in the AVFG and 0.94 in the CG. The primary and secondary patency rate at 2 years was 29 and 40% for the AVFG and 36 and 40% for the CG (NS). Leg salvage at 2 years was 65 and 68%, respectively (NS). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant AV-fistula does not improve the patency of a femorocrural PTFE bypass with a distal vein cuff.     

Impact of routine and long-term follow-up on weight loss after laparoscopic gastric bypass

BACKGROUND: Weight loss after gastric bypass varies among patients. It is difficult to maintain contact with patients who have undergone surgery several years previously. Continued and long-term follow-up care at a bariatric surgery clinic might be a factor affecting long-term excess weight loss (EWL). METHODS: Patients with 3-4 years of follow-up data after laparoscopic gastric bypass were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 patients had attended every scheduled postoperative appointment, group 2 patients had attended every appointment for 1 year before being lost to follow-up, and group 3 patients had been lost to follow-up before 1 year. Comparisons were made to determine the relationship between the length of follow-up and EWL. RESULTS: We identified 34 group 1 patients and 51 group 2 or 3 patients of 130 patients eligible to be included as determined by their date of surgery. The interval since surgery was similar at approximately 3 years. Although the EWL did not differ at 1 year of follow-up (mean EWL 70% for group 1 versus 65% for group 2, P >.05), a significant difference in the EWL was observed at 3-4 years (74% for group 1 versus 61% for group 2 versus 56% for group 3; P <.05). The distance traveled to the clinic was similar for all 3 groups. The most common explanation for missed follow-up appointments was a lack of insurance coverage. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastric bypass patients who attended all scheduled follow-up appointments experienced greater long-term weight loss than those who did not. On-going, multidisciplinary care is likely a critical component in maintaining the benefit after surgery. Patients must be encouraged to continue to attend their bariatric medical appointments, and payors should provide coverage for these visits.     

The late results after axillo-femoral bypass grafts in patients with leg ischaemia

The late results--up to six years--after axillo-femoral bypass reconstruction are reported for 85 patients with leg ischaemia who were regarded as poor-risk patients for aortic bypass surgery, or who had aortic graft infection. Velour-Dacron grafts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Gore-Tex)--grafts have been used. The cumulative patency rate (life table) six years after graft implantation was 64% (PTFE-grafts) and 58% (Velour-Dacron grafts). The corresponding cumulative limb salvage rate six years after graft implantation was 88% when PTFE grafts were used and 77% when Velour-Dacron grafts were used. Our results demonstrate that axillo-femoral reconstruction is a useful procedure with a good patency rate 6 years after implantation. This procedure should be considered when dealing with poor risk patients with severe leg ischaemia.     

Reoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Via a Left Thoracotomy and a Small Laparotomy Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Report of a Case

A 66-year-old woman with aortic stenosis underwent an aortic root replacement with a composite graft and coronary artery reconstruction 2 years before presentation. On coronary angiography performed 2 years after operation, saphenous vein graft (SVG) to right coronary artery and SVG to first diagonal branch had both become totally occluded. SVG to left anterior descending artery showed 75% stenosis on the heel side of the distal anastomosis. The patient underwent a second coronary artery bypass via a left thoracotomy (the left internal thoracic artery was anastomosed to the first diagonal branch by interposing it with the left radial artery) and a small laparotomy (the right gastroepiploic artery was anastomosed to the right coronary artery) without a cardiopulmonary bypass. This approach is preferable to avoiding both a resternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass in patients requiring repeat surgery. Received: September 29, 2000 / Accepted: May 15, 2001     

Limb salvage surgery in a district general hospital: factors affecting outcome

In many patients with critical limb ischaemia, vascular reconstructive surgery is the only alternative to amputation to relieve severe rest pain or treat ischaemic ulcers and digital gangrene. Over a 4-year period, 402 patients with critical ischaemia of the lower limb were seen in the Derby Hospitals. One hundred and forty eight of these patients required primary amputation, 52 were treated with radiologically controlled angioplasty and in the remaining 208 patients, 218 surgical procedures for limb salvage were carried out. The overall operative mortality of patients undergoing limb salvage surgery was 9% with 72% of patients surviving 2 years or more. Postoperative mortality was greater in those patients over 70 years (16% vs 6% P less than 0.02). Patient survival at 2 years was reduced in patients over 70 years at the time of surgery (49% vs 83% P less than 0.001) and in those with 2 or more medical conditions (57% vs 71% P less than 0.001) present in the perioperative period. Overall limb salvage in surviving patients was 92% at 1 year and 91% at 2 years following surgery. Successful limb salvage at 2 years following femorodistal surgery alone was lower and related and to both infrapopliteal run off (2-3 vessels 87% vs 1 vessel 68% P less than 0.01) and the graft material used (vein 87%, Dardik 76%, Goretex 58%, P less than 0.01).     

Coronary artery bypass grafting for dialysis patients: usefulness of multiarterial bypass

This study assessed the efficacy of multiarterial bypass in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in dialysis patients. Eighty dialysis patients who underwent CABG were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of 38 patients in whom the left internal thoracic artery and additional saphenous vein graft (SVG) had been used. Group B consisted of 42 patients in whom 2 or 3 arterial grafts and additional SVGs had been used. No mediastinitis was shown in either group. Actuarial survival rates, including all deaths, and estimated by cardiac deaths at 8 years, were 28% and 83%, respectively, in Group A and 93% and 100%, respectively, in Group B with a significant difference (p = 0.014 and 0.016, respectively). Cardiac event-free rates at 8 years were 43% and 96% in Groups A and B, respectively, with a significant difference (p = 0.0016). Multiarterial grafting improved long-term results after CABG for dialysis patients compared with single internal thoracic artery grafting with minimal complications related to graft harvesting.