Fifteen Year Experience with Subcutaneous Bypass Grafts for Lower Extremity Ischemia

A 15-year experience with 92 subcutaneous arterial bypass grafts for lower extremity revascularization has been reviewed. Fifty-nine AF and 33 FF bypass operations were performed on 89 patients whose average age was 66 years. The overall five-year survival was 33% compared to an expected survival of 80%. 88% of the AF, and 76% of the FF operations were performed for limb salvage, bypass of an aortic aneurysm, or replacement of an infected aortic graft. The remainder were performed for intermittent claudication on patients who were too ill to withstand an intra-abdominal operation. 75% of the patients with AF grafts and 64% of those with FF grafts experienced complete relief of lower extremity ischemia, including all of the patients with claudication. Graft patency was analyzed by the life table method. In the FF series, 74% of the grafts remained patent for one year; 73% for two years; 66% for three years; and 53% for four years. A 50% incidence of thrombosis occurred at the end of two years in the AF group. The patency rate of the AF grafts was also studied with regard to the type of graft material employed: a 50% incidence of thrombosis was reached at 36 months with knitted Dacron; at 18 months with weave-knit Dacron; and at 9 months with woven Dacron.

These data indicate that: (1) contrary to our previous report, weave-grafts provide adequate blood flow to the lower extremities but do not remain patent as long as more conventional types of reconstruction; (2) subcutaneous grafts should be performed only when an intra-abdominal procedure is contraindicated or life expectancy is limited.

     

Infected lower extremity extra-anatomic bypass grafts: Management of a serious complication in high-risk patients

To determine optimal management and outcome of infected extra-anatomic bypass grafts (EABG), we reviewed 28 patients (19 men and 9 women; mean age 70 years) treated over a 13-year period. Mean follow-up was 42 months. There were 16 axillofemoral (AF), 10 femorofemoral (FF), and two axillopopliteal (AP) grafts. Risk factors included previous prosthetic graft infection in 13 patients, enterocutaneous fistula in two, and mycotic aortic aneurysm in one. Initial management involved complete graft excision in 12 patients, partial graft excision in 10, and nonresectional therapy in six. Failure of nonresectional therapy and partial excision in three patients each required further operative intervention with graft excision. Reconstruction in patients eventually requiring graft excision (n=25) entailed placement of a new prosthetic AF or AP graft in eight, an autogenous FF graft in five, combined prosthetic AF and autogenous FF bypass in two, autogenous iliofemoral bypass in one, obturator bypass in one, or no reconstruction in eight. Four autogenous FF reconstructions thrombosed immediately postoperatively, and three prosthetic reconstructions became infected. The mortality rate was 18% (FF=20%, AF=19%, AP=0%). The amputation rate was 25% (AP=100%, AF=25%, FF=10%) and was higher without arterial reconstruction (56% vs. 12%,p=0.02). Two patients required hemipelvectomies and one had bilateral hip disarticulation. We conclude that EABG infections can be successfully treated but carry significant morbidity and mortality. Optimal management includes EABG resection and prompt revascularization, bearing in mind the risk of early thrombosis in autogenous grafts and reinfection in prosthetic grafts.Presented at the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Southern California Vascular Surgical Society, Coronado, Calif., September 16–18, 1994.     

Prospective randomized multicenter comparison of in situ and reversed vein infrapopliteal bypasses

We have performed a prospective, randomized, multicenter study to compare in situ and reversed vein grafts for long limb salvage bypasses from the proximal thigh to an infrapopliteal artery. Three hundred eighty-four patients required an infrapopliteal bypass for critical lower extremity ischemia. Of these, 259 were excluded because a short vein bypass was performed or because the vein was considered inadequate. The remaining 125 patients had a randomized vein bypass, 63 reversed, 62 in situ. The two groups were similar with regard to risk factors, indications, graft dimensions, and outflow. Secondary patency at 30 months was similar for both techniques: reversed 67% +/- 9% (+/- SE); in situ 69% +/- 8%. For veins less than or equal to 3.0 mm in minimum distended diameter 24-month patency rates were 61% +/- 22% for 12 in situ veins and 37% +/- 29% for 10 reversed veins (p greater than 0.05). Angiographic evaluation of failing grafts revealed lesions similar in type and frequency in both types of grafts. These included focal (in situ, n = 4; reversed, n = 7) and diffuse vein hyperplasia (in situ, n = 2; reversed, n = 1), and inflow and outflow stenoses (in situ, n = 4; reversed, n = 3). The incidence of wound complications and the mortality rate were similar for the two groups. These data show no significant difference in overall patency rates for the two types of vein grafts at 2 1/2 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Endarterectomy of the left coronary system. Analysis of a 10 year experience

Between January, 1971, and June, 1981, 278 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting had additional endarterectomy to the left coronary system. This constitutes 28% of all patients undergoing bypass grafting. Additional endarterectomy of the left anterior descending was performed in 250 and of the circumflex in 75 (an average of 1.2 endarterectomies to the left coronary system per patient). Five hundred thirty-six additional grafts to other vessels were performed, for a total of 861 grafts (three grafts per patient). There were 11 (4%) early and 29 (10%) late deaths. The actuarial survival rate was 93% at 3 years and 80% at 6 years. The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction was 12%. Of the survivors, 94% were either asymptomatic or improved. Two hundred forty-three grafts (75%) were restudied early (2 weeks to 1 year). The early patency rate of the grafts to the left anterior descending was 83% (156/188) and to the circumflex 75% (41/55). In 75 patients (81 grafts), restudied 1 year or more after operation, the patency rate was 75% (61/81). The runoff of grafts to the left coronary system was judged to be good in 76%, moderate in 14%, and poor in 10%.     

Vascular stenosis of the branches of the aortic arch. Surgical treatment and long-term follow-up

Since 1971 69 patients have been operated on for lesions of branches of the aortic arch (71 surgical procedures). In 80% of the patients extrathoracic reconstructions were performed, mainly carotid-subclavian bypasses (64%) using knitted dacron grafts (6 mm and 8 mm diameter). A transthoracic approach was used in 20% of the patients. No patient died after operation and no ischemic neurological deficit occurred. The cumulative survival rate was 89% after five and 59% after ten years. The cumulative patency rate in the survivors was 100% after transthoracic approach after five and ten years. Identical patency rates were observed after extrathoracic carotid-subclavian bypass using 8 mm dacron grafts, whereas in 6 mm grafts the patency rate was only 67% after five and ten years. 85% of all patients were symptom-free and additional 10% improved. These results confirm that carotid-subclavian bypass using 8 mm dacron grafts has a long term patency rate identical to those after anatomical transthoracic procedures.     

Exercise tolerance five years after coronary bypass surgery in relation to clinical and angiographic findings

Exercise on a bicycle ergometer was used to assess symptom-limited working capacity (Wsl) five years after coronary bypass surgery. Ninety-six patients were evaluated with a sitting bicycle test using 10 Watt increments of work load every minute from an initial load of 10 Watt. Ninety-three per cent had less symptoms than before surgery and 32% said they had no angina. Angina was provoked at exercise in 1/31 asymptomatic patients (3%) and in 46/65 (71%) of those with residual symptoms. The Wsl of 50-250 Watt (mean 143 Watt) in a asymptomatic patients was significant higher than 30-220 Watt (mean 105 Watt) performed by patients with residual angina. In 61 patients, exercise tests were performed before, one year and five years after the operation. Average Wsl was significantly higher after one year (127; 36 Watt) than before surgery (90; 23 Watt). but declined significantly until the five-year evaluation (113; 37 Watt). After one year 82% had a higher Wsl than prior to operation compared to 69% five years after surgery. Angiography five years after surgery revealed that 60/76 subjects (79%) had all grafts patent and 16/76 (21%) one or more grafts occluded. In spite of one or more grafts occluded. 2/16 patients (13%) were asymptomatic, whereas 25/60 (42%) with all grafts patent were free from symptoms. Average Wsl was significantly higher in patient with all grafts patent (130; 44 Watt) compared to patients with one or more grafts occluded (102; 33 Watt). It is concluded that although subjective improvement after coronary bypass surgery persisted in about 90% of the patients for five years, bicycle exercise tests show a significant decline of Wsl after the first year, but five years after surgery was still better than before the operation.     

Angiographic criteria for prediction of early graft failure of secondary infrainguinal bypass surgery

Complete intraoperative postreconstruction angiograms were obtained during 93 reoperations after failed femoropopliteal and femorodistal bypass grafts to evaluate the predictive value of a new method of angiographic runoff assessment. Good runoff was defined as patency of two or three lower leg arteries to the foot, or one patent vessel continuous with an intact anterior or posterior foot arch in femoropopliteal and proximal femorodistal bypasses, and integrity of both arches in low femorodistal bypasses. All other outflow patterns were considered poor. The cumulative 1-year patency rate was 61% with a 79% limb salvage rate after reoperations performed in limbs with good runoff. In reoperations with poor runoff, the patency rate was only 5% with a 22% limb salvage rate. In reoperations with good runoff, and 85% patency rate of vein grafts compared to 43% of prosthetic grafts clearly demonstrated the importance of graft material on early outcome. The improved prediction of early outcome with this new method of angiographic runoff evaluation might allow more rational management of patients with failed infrainguinal grafts.     

Axillopopliteal bypass for limb salvage.

Forty-one axillopopliteal bypass grafts have been placed in 30 patients for limb salvage in the past 12 years. The mean patient age was 65.6 years; 8 were women; 19 smoked; and six had diabetes. Sixteen grafts were straight axillopopliteal bypass grafts, and 25 were sequential axillopopliteal bypass grafts. Cumulative life-table primary patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 70%, 56%, and 43%, respectively; secondary patency rates were 73%, 57%, and 50%, respectively. Corresponding limb salvage rates were 86%, 69%, and 69%, respectively. Ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft patency at 3 years was 61% versus 40% for unsupported PTFE grafts (p = 0.35). Ringed PTFE axillofemoral grafts with sequential femoropopliteal saphenous vein grafts had a 3-year patency of 67%. Graft patency was restored in 25% of occluded grafts by thrombectomy and in 80% of occluded grafts by thrombectomy with graft revision (p = 0.21). Cumulative 3-year patient survival was 48%. The 30-day operative mortality rate was 20%; patients operated on for graft infection had a 30-day operative mortality rate of 36%. The data support the use of axillopopliteal bypass for limb salvage when standard revascularization techniques are contraindicated. Long-term patency is enhanced by use of externally supported PTFE and sequential femoropopliteal saphenous vein.     

Posterior cruciate condylar total knee arthroplasty. Five-year results

A series of 189 consecutive posterior cruciate condylar total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in 151 patients was reviewed. Of these, 18 patients died (22 knees), and two patients (three knees) were lost to follow-up study, leaving 164 knees in 131 patients for evaluation at 5.3 +/- 0.8 years (mean +/- SD). Before surgery 91% of the patients experienced moderate to severe pain with weight bearing, whereas 6% had such pain at five years. The average motion was -5 degrees -107 degrees before surgery and -1 degrees -101 degrees at last examination. The percentage of patients who could walk more than six blocks (600 m) increased from 9% preoperatively to 61% at last examination. The percentage of patients who could independently climb stairs increased from 37% preoperatively to 69% at last examination. Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores improved an average of 29 points, from 57 preoperatively (poor) to 86 (excellent) at last examination. Complications included an overall reoperation rate of 3.7% (seven knees), with a revision rate of 1.6% (three knees). Lucent lines greater than or equal to 1 mm at five years were present in 6% of knees and progressed in 3%. Overall, the results after posterior cruciate-sparing TKAs were excellent, with few complications.     

Serial angiographic follow-up of grafts one year and five years after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: We studied retrospectively the patency of grafts after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using serial angiographies performed one year and five years after surgery. METHODS: One hundred and nine patients who had available coronary angiographies at both one year and five years after CABG were included. Morphologic changes of anastomotic sites and grafts were traced in the same group of patients using the FitzGibbon grading system. RESULTS: The arterial graft patency rate (FitzGibbon grade A+B) was significantly higher than the saphenous vein grafts at both one year (98.0% vs 82.4%, p<0.001) and five years (90.7% vs 80.2%, p=0.006) after surgery, respectively. The arterial graft patency rate was superior to vein grafts in the left anterior descending coronary artery territory at both one year (97.5% vs 82.0%, p=0.001) and five years (90.9% vs 78.0%, p=0.042) postoperatively. Other territories showed similar patency rates between arterial and vein grafts. The vein graft patency rate at five years postoperatively was lowest in the right coronary territory when compared with other territories. When the patency pattern was compared between postoperative years 1 and 5, the proportion of FitzGibbon grade B grafts increased significantly in the vein grafts (3.1% vs 7.5%, p=0.002), while that of arterial grafts remained stable (8.6% vs 7.3%, p=0.774). When the graft patency at postoperative year 5 was compared between patients with recurrent angina and those without, the patients with recurrent angina showed a higher proportion of FitzGibbon grade B grafts (19.2% vs 4.8% in arterial grafts, p=0.023; 20.5% vs 4.8% in vein grafts, p=0.003) and lower grade A grafts (65.4% vs 86.4% in arterial grafts, p=0.019; 43.6% vs 78.2% in vein grafts, p<0.001), and a lower vein graft patency rate (64.1% vs 83.0%, p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The arterial graft patency rate was significantly higher than that of saphenous vein grafts, especially in the left anterior descending coronary artery territory, at one year and five years postoperatively. The decreased patency rate of the vein grafts, along with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, were associated with angina recurrence.     

Bypass grafts to the ankle and foot

Two hundred forty-three bypasses to paramalleolar arteries were performed in 224 extremities of 208 patients since 1971; 166 were implanted in men (68%) and 77 in women (32%). The median age was 73 years. Gangrene (61%), nonhealing ulcer (15%), rest pain (22%), and trauma (2%) were the indications for bypass. Usual risk factors were noted: diabetes (65%), smoking (51%), heart disease (46%), and hypertension (45%). The extent of occlusive disease dictated three graft configurations: long grafts originating in arteries proximal to the adductor tendon (n = 111), short grafts originating at or below the popliteal artery (n = 88), and jump grafts originating near the distal end of a previous femorodistal bypass (n = 44). The association between diabetes (incidence 80%) and gangrene (75%) in patients with short grafts was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). The 2-year secondary patency rate of long in situ grafts was 92% compared with 72% for other autogenous vein long grafts. The limb salvage rate for all autogenous vein long grafts was 90% at 3 years. The secondary patency rate at 3 years for short grafts was 81% and the limb salvage rate was 80%. There were four amputations with patent grafts. Primary and secondary patency rates of jump grafts were similar (53%), whereas the limb salvage rate was 89% at 2 years. Patency and limb salvage rates of rarely employed nonautogenous conduits were less than 35% at 1 year (long grafts). Bypass grafts to the ankle and foot are effective and durable and should be performed with autogenous vein.     

Coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia]

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 48 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Seventy-nine percent of these patients had three-vessel disease or left main trunk disease. The internal thoracic artery was used for grafting in 26 patients and the right gastroepiploic artery was used in 4 patients. Although no patient died during surgery, one died subsequently from graft-versus-host disease. Graft patency at one month after CABG was 95% in vein grafts, 100% in arterial grafts, and 97% overall. Histological study revealed that arterial grafts in patients with FH had similar structures to those in non-FH patients, without evidence of atherosclerosis. All patients were prescribed anti-cholesterol drugs to control serum cholesterol levels, and 4 patients underwent LDL-apheresis because of poor control. Survival rate at 11 years after CABG was 83% without cardiac death. Cardiac event-free rate in 47 surviving patients was 53% at 10 years after CABG in vein bypass group, 93% at 5 years in the arterial graft group, and 58% at 10 years overall. Results of CABG were as good in FH as in non-FH patients, using arterial grafts and anticholesterol therapy.     

Clinical Use of Omniflow Vascular Graft as Arteriovenous Bridging Graft for Hemodialysis

Abstract: From April 1992 to November 1995, 109 bridging arteriovenous fistulas were performed in 89 patients for hemodialysis at National Taiwan University Hospital. These included 61 Omniflow vascular grafts (OVG) in 47 patients and 48 GoreTex polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts in 42 patients. There were 36 male and 53 female patients, whose ages ranged from 24 to 84 years with a mean of 59 ± 2 years. The operation was performed under lidocaine local anesthesia with antibiotic prophylaxis. The anatomic configurations included 50 (45.9%) forearm loop grafts, 19 (17.4%) forearm straight grafts, and 40 (36.7%) thigh loop grafts. Hemodialysis via the bridging graft was started 2 weeks after the operation. The patients received hemodialysis 3 times a week or more when indicated. No patients suffered from limb loss. Pseudoaneurysm and graft infection requiring operation occurred 0.96% and 1.92% per patient year, respectively, in the OVG group, and pseudoaneurysm and graft infection both occurred 2.38% per patient in the PTFE group. In the OVG group, the thigh loop graft had better patency than the forearm straight graft. The forearm loop graft had a better patency rate than the forearm straight graft. In the OVG group, the 1 to 4 year patency rate was 77 ± 6%, 58 ± 8%, 48 ± 9%, and 34 ± 13%, respectively, whereas in the PTFE group, the 1 to 4 year patency rate was 69 ± 7%, 50 ± 9%, 43 ± 10%, and 26 ± 15%, respectively. Therefore, the Omniflow is a good alternative bridging graft for hemodialysis.     

The multiple sequential distal bypass graft: seven-year follow-up

Thirty-nine infrainguinal bypass grafts with multiple sequential distal anastomoses were performed on 35 patients ranging in age from 32 to 79 years (mean 65.8 years) with severe femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Thirty-eight procedures were performed for limb salvage indications. Distal anastomoses were performed to the popliteal-anterior tibial arteries in seven procedures, the popliteal-posterior tibial arteries in six, the popliteal-peroneal arteries in six, the anterior tibial-peroneal arteries in eight, the posterior tibial-peroneal arteries in 10, and the posterior tibial-anterior tibial arteries in two. Saphenous vein was the graft material in 31 procedures (in situ in two), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in four, and saphenous vein-PTFE composite in four. The mean Doppler ankle-arm index was 0.38 +/- 0.14 preoperatively and 0.89 +/- 0.13 postoperatively. The early (30-day) graft patency rate was 93%. With life-table analysis, the long-term primary patency rate was 70% at 1 year, 61% at 3 years, and 52% at 7 years for saphenous vein grafts; the secondary patency rate was 65% at 7 years for saphenous vein grafts. The secondary patency rate for PTFE and PTFE-vein composite grafts was 75% at 1 year, 50% at 3 years, and 17% at 5 years. Cumulative life-table limb salvage rates were 91% at 1 year, 85% at 5 years, and 61% at 7 years. The multiple sequential distal bypass graft is durable and highly efficacious in achieving limb salvage.     

Long-term results of reconstructive surgery for femoro-popliteal arterial occlusive lesions

A retrospective review of 156 reconstructions performed for femoro-politeal arterial occlusive lesions in 141 patients was carried out in terms of the reconstructive procedure and the degree of out-flow in the distal vessel. The cumulative patency rate for 95 autogenous vein grafts was 60.7 per cent at 12 years and higher than the 27.4% patency rate for 50 endarterectomies (p<0.001). All of 11 synthetic bypass prostheses failed with late thrombosis within 3 years after operation. The cumulative patency rate in cases with good distal run-off vessel and those with fair distal run-off vessel were 77.1% at 11 years and 57.3% at 12 years, respectively, and these values were significantly superior to 10.3% in cases with poor distal run-off vessel. The patency rate for 41 in situ grafts was 72.2%, being superior to 65.5% for 42 free grafts.     

The long-term success of fresh, small fragment osteochondral allografts used for intraarticular post-traumatic defects in the knee joint.

Ninety-two fresh osteochondral allografts were implanted in 91 patients with posttraumatic osteoarticular defects of the knee joint. These patients have been prospectively followed since 1972. An analysis of long-term survival of these grafts has been performed to determine their success rates: 75% at 5 years, 64% at 10 years, and 63% at 14 years. An evaluation was made between unipolar grafts, which involve only one surface of the compartment, and bipolar grafts, which involve both surfaces. The unipolar grafts had a lower failure rate at all time periods compared to bipolar grafts, with 76% survival at 5 years, 69% at 10 years, and 67% at 14 years. While investigating other factors that might affect the survival of the fresh osteochondral allografts, we calculated the influence of the anatomical location of the graft, patient sex, and patient age. There was no meaningful impact on allograft survival by either the location of the allograft or the sex of the patient. However, there was a significant effect on allograft longevity in terms of patient age, with patients under age 60 doing better. The best indication for the use of unipolar fresh osteochondral allografts is for posttraumatic defects in relatively young, active patients. Joint malalignment should be corrected to achieve best results.     

Superficial femoral artery percutaneous intervention is an effective strategy to optimize inflow for distal origin bypass grafts

BACKGROUND: Iliac angioplasty in preparation for an infrainguinal bypass graft has been shown to be an effective strategy. We undertook this study to determine if superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty offers durable inflow for distal origin grafts originating from the SFA or popliteal artery. METHODS: All distal origin grafts performed at a single institution between 1988 and 2006, 相似文献   

Saphenous vein versus PTFE for above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. A review of the literature.

The autogenous saphenous vein is considered the best bypass graft material for arterial bypasses below the inguinal ligament. However, a synthetic graft or prosthesis is considered an acceptable alternative, especially when the distal anastomosis is situated above the knee. Some studies even suggest that patency rates for vein and synthetic grafts are comparable, whereas others indicate that a vein graft is superior to a prosthetic graft, even above the knee. To test the hypothesis that both vein grafts and synthetic prostheses are equally beneficial in the above-knee position, we performed a systematic review of available studies comparing the patency of saphenous vein and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as bypass material. English and German medical literature from 1966 to 2002 was searched using Medline, and 25 articles meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. The patency of venous bypasses was superior to that of PTFE bypasses at all time intervals studied. After 2 years, the primary patency rate of venous bypasses was 81% as compared to 67% for PTFE bypasses, and after 5 years it was 69 and 49%, respectively. After 5 years, the secondary patency of PTFE bypasses reached 60%. When only randomized trials were considered, venous bypasses were again superior to PTFE bypasses at all intervals studied. After 2 years, the primary patency rate of venous and PTFE bypasses was 80 and 69%, respectively, and after 5 years it was 74 and 39%, respectively. Since both randomized and retrospective studies comparing venous with PTFE bypasses showed that vein grafts were 'better' than PTFE prostheses, the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the two types of graft material was rejected (p=0.008). We conclude from this systematic review that if a saphenous vein is available, a venous bypass should be chosen at all times, even if patients have an anticipated short life expectancy (<2 years). If the saphenous vein is absent or not suitable for bypass grafting, PTFE is a good alternative as bypass material.     

Cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts in infrainguinal revascularization: analysis of 240 grafts

INTRODUCTION: Cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts (Cryograft; CryoLife, Kennesaw, Ga) have been used as conduit in infrainguinal revascularization when autogenous vein is inadequate or unavailable. Although some studies of Cryografts report poor long-term patency, an anticoagulation protocol may improve outcome. We evaluated our experience with Cryografts to further define their role in lower extremity revascularization.Patients and methods Between March 1992 and March 2002, 240 infrainguinal revascularization procedures with Cryografts were performed in 199 limbs of 177 patients. Eighty-nine percent of procedures were performed because of ischemic rest pain or tissue loss, and 75% of vein grafts were implanted into infrapopliteal targets. Most patients received anticoagulation therapy with warfarin sodium or aspirin, or both, postoperatively. Mean age of the cohort was 78 years; 61% were women; 75% had hypertension, 58% had diabetes, and 38% had renal dysfunction; and 47% were current or past smokers. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 7 months (range, 0-48 months). Primary patency rate was 83% at 1 month, 50% at 6 months, 30% at 12 months, and 18% at 24 months. Diabetes adversely affected graft patency. Warfarin sodium or antiplatelet therapy did not significantly improve graft patency. Limb salvage was 80% at 1 year and 71% at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Cryografts have low primary patency rates that are not affected by anticoagulation with warfarin sodium. Short-term patency of these grafts may be sufficient to heal ischemic wounds and thereby prevent limb loss. However, other less expensive alternatives, eg, prosthetic grafts with vein cuffs, are available and appear to have better patency. Accordingly, use of Cryografts should be limited to revascularization through infected fields in patients without autogenous conduit.     

In situ bypass to the dorsalis pedis and tibial arteries at the ankle

Over a three-year period (1984-1987), we performed 98 in situ saphenous vein bypasses to the tibial arteries in 89 patients. In 68 of these grafts, the distal anastomoses were above ankle level. All but one of these grafts were performed for limb salvage indications. Seven (10%) of these grafts were done in patients on chronic renal dialysis. In 30 grafts, the distal anastomoses were to the ankle level. Indications for surgery were risk of limb loss in all these patients, with tissue loss in 29 (97%). Six (20%) were done in patients on chronic renal dialysis. Operative mortality was 3% in both groups. Late mortality was 13% in the above-ankle group, and 27% in the ankle level group. Secondary patency for the above-ankle group was 97%, 85%, 81%, and 81% at 30 days, one year, two years, and three years. Primary patency was 91%, 67%, and 58% at 30 days, one year, and two years, after which the standard error is greater than 10%. Secondary patency for the grafts at the ankle level was 100% and 82% at 30 days and one and one-half years. Primary patency rates were 93% and 68% at 30 days and one year. In situ bypass grafts at the ankle level had patency rates equivalent to grafts with distal anastomoses above the ankle. Patients with distal bypasses usually presented with tissue loss and had a higher late mortality rate. Careful follow-up and operative intervention when changes in graft velocities or indices are recognized, markedly improves the durability of the in situ saphenous vein bypass.