The lesser saphenous vein: autogenous tissue for lower extremity revascularization

From December 1980 to December 1985, 54 patients underwent 56 lower extremity arterial procedures with the use of lesser saphenous vein (LSV) as graft material. LSV was used in all cases because a satisfactory greater saphenous vein (GSV) was unavailable to accomplish the proposed revascularization. Indications for operation were rest pain, ulceration, and gangrene (74%), and 26% had claudication alone. Fifty of the 56 procedures were femorotibial and femoroperoneal bypasses. Three graft combinations were used: LSV alone (29), lesser saphenous vein and other autogenous vein composites (LSV/AUTO) (14), and lesser saphenous vein with synthetic composite grafts (LSV/SYN) (13). Graft patency rates were determined by life-table analysis. The 3-year patency rate for LSV was 60% and for LSV/AUTO was 38%. LSV/SYN graft composites had a graft patency rate at 18 months of 21%. These data suggest that the LSV may function as an autogenous venous graft for lower extremity revascularization when sufficient GSV is not available.     

Extra-anatomic Bypass of the Abdominal Aorta: Management of Postoperative Thrombosis

Extra-anatomic bypass of the abdominal aorta was performed in 25 patients too ill to undergo abdominal operation (Group I) and in 22 patients with graft sepsis or hemorrhage (Group II). The graft patency rate determined by life table analysis in Group I patients was 83.5% at one year and 60% at two years. The graft patency rate for Group II patients of 47% at one year was significantly lower than the patency rate for Group I patients (p <.01). Thrombectomy was attempted in 11 of the 18 grafts that occluded postoperatively. Patency was re-established by this method in nine grafts (82%), failures resulted in amputation. Recurrent occlusion of three thrombectomized grafts was treated by multiple thrombectomies with cumulative patencies up to 44.5 months. Thrombectomy was not attempted in seven occluded grafts. Two graft occlusions resulted in amputation of extremities. Contralateral axillofemoral grafts were performed in three of the patients, ipsilateral axillofemoral graft in one patient, and aortobifemoral graft in one patient. Thrombectomy is the treatment of choice for occluded extra-anatomic bypass grafts. It can be performed easily under local anesthesia. If unsuccessful, contralateral axillofemoral or femoro-femoral grafts are indicated to re-establish blood flow.     

Multicenter evaluation of the bovine mesenteric vein bioprostheses for hemodialysis access in patients with an earlier failed prosthetic graft

BACKGROUND: The number of patients requiring hemodialysis increases each year, with a large cohort of patients still requiring prosthetic grafts for hemodialysis. All available prosthetic vascular access grafts have predictable failure rates, leading to a large group of patients with multiple failed access grafts. This report evaluates use of mesenteric vein bioprosthesis (MVB) as a conduit for patients who have failed at least one earlier synthetic vascular access graft. STUDY DESIGN: Two-hundred seventy-six access grafts were implanted in patients who had at least one earlier failed synthetic graft. Of these grafts, 183 were MVB and 93 were synthetic. Graft histories were obtained from 128 of the 183 patients who received the MVB, representing a nonrandomized historic data set of previously failed grafts as an internal control group (INT). Patency was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis of factors predictive of effect. RESULTS: Primary patency at 12 months was 35.6% MVB versus 28.4% synthetic grafts. At 24 months, secondary patency was 60.3% MVB, 42.9% synthetic, and 18.0% INT (p < 0.0001, log- rank). Complication rates, including dilation, seroma, infection, and thrombosis, were all notably lower for the MVB compared with synthetic grafts by Cox regression (p < 0.001). Intervention rate per patient year was lower in the MVB group (0.97 versus 1.37) compared with synthetic grafts (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: MVB provided superior secondary graft patency compared with both historic graft data or newly implanted nonrandomized synthetic implants. A considerable reduction in thrombosis, infection, and interventions was observed with the MVB graft. These results suggest that MVB offers a safe alternative to patients who have a history of failing synthetic access grafts and may represent an option for extending vascular access to this patient population.     

Femorofemoral versus aortobifemoral bypass: Outcome and hemodynamic results

Purpose: Femorofemoral bypass (FFB) is used in selected patients when aortobifemoral bypass (AFB) is believed to be inappropriate because of high operative risk or predominantly unilateral iliac artery occlusive disease. We examined concurrent patients who underwent either FFB or AFB to better understand the appropriate use of FFB.Methods: The characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent FFB and AFB during 1986 to 1991 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Primary measures of outcome included patient survival, graft patency, limb salvage, and hemodynamic performance of FFB and AFB. Further analysis was performed after substratification for low versus high risk and claudication versus limb threat as the indication for surgery.Results: FFB was performed in older patients with more medical comorbidities when compared with AFB. Long-term graft patency was inferior after FFB compared with AFB (60% vs 85% at 3 years, p < 0.01). However, both FFB and AFB achieved limb salvage in more than 85% of patients at 3 years. When patients at low risk undergoing nonemergency AFB were compared with patients at low risk who underwent FFB and who had no contraindication to AFB, FFB proved inferior to AFB as measured by graft patency (primary patency 61% vs 87% at 3 years, p < 0.03) and hemodynamic performance (predicted ankle-brachial index with perfect outflow 0.82 after FFB vs 1.03 after AFB). On the basis of a detailed analysis of patient and graft risk factors, we could not explain the inferior patency rate of FFB, although our analysis suggested that inadequate inflow may contribute.Conclusions: FFB is inferior to AFB as measured by patency and hemodynamic function. This inferior performance is independent of indications for FFB. AFB should remain the standard therapy for patients at low risk with iliac occlusive disease, but FFB provides adequate function and limb salvage in patients at high risk. (J VASC SURG 1994;19:43-57.)     

Utility of femorofemoral bypass. Comparison of results with indications for operation

Sixty-eight patients underwent femorofemoral bypass (FFB) at the University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals over a 9-year period from 1980 to 1989. There were patients with acute ischemia requiring emergency operation, those with chronic ischemia following failed aortic reconstruction, good-risk patients with chronic ischemia who had FFB as the procedure of choice, and poor-risk patients who were unsuitable for other procedures. Patients operated on for acute ischemia had a significant number of infectious complications, with five of eight graft failures in this group due to infection. Primary patency rates were similar in all groups, with a 5-year primary patency of 42 per cent. Overall operative mortality was 4.4 per cent. Satisfactory limb salvage rates (75%) suggest that FFB is an acceptable option for providing inflow in patients with acute ischemia or for patients with a failed previous vascular prosthesis. FFB provides adequate inflow in poor-risk patients not suitable for aortic reconstruction, but patency rates do not warrant its use as a procedure of choice in good-risk patients.     

Femorofemoral bypass for aortofemoral graft limb occlusion: A ten-year experience

Purpose: Aortofemoral bypass (AFB) is a durable reconstruction; however, graft limb occlusion occurs in 10% to 20% of patients and results in limb ischemia. Treatment of AFB limb occlusion has been debated, but many recommended femorofemoral bypass (FFB). FFB grafts have had excellent patency rates. The durability of FFB specifically for AFB limb occlusion has not been reported. This study retrospectively examined a 10-year experience with FFB for AFB limb occlusion to determine FFB performance.Methods: Between 1982 and 1992, FFB was performed on occluded AFB limbs in 22 patients (14 men and 8 women). Reoperation was performed for disabling claudication in five cases, but the remaining 17 patients (77%) had critical limb ischemia. FFB originated from the contralateral patent AFB limb in all cases. Distal anastomosis was to the common femoral artery (n = 8) or the profunda femoris (n = 14). FFB graft patency was confirmed by direct Doppler arterial examination over a mean follow-up of 47 months.Results: The cumulative life-table primary patency rate of FFB was 54% at 5 years. Reoperative procedures performed in nine cases resulted in a secondary patency rate of 84% at 5 years. The limb salvage rate was also 84% at 5 years, reflecting the impact of successful reoperation. Major amputations (two below-knee, one above-knee) were necessary in only three cases. There were no perioperative deaths after FFB, and the cumulative 5-year survival rate was 77%.Conclusion : Aortic graft limb occlusion occurs less frequently than failure of infrainguinal grafts making the success of specific reoperative strategies difficult to document reliably. This study suggests that FFB is a safe and durable alternative for AFB limb failure. An aggressive policy of reoperation has resulted in successful extension of FFB graft function and an excellent rate of limb salvage. (J VASC SURG 1994;19:851-7.)     

股-股动脉人工血管转流术21例临床分析

目的 探讨股-股动脉人工血管转流手术的临床应用及并发症.方法 回顾性分析我院2001年1月至2011年5月21例施行股-股动脉搭桥手术患者的临床资料,其中单侧髂动脉严重狭窄或闭塞行手术者16例,主髂动脉瘤腔内修复术同时行该手术者5例.结果 本组21例手术均成功完成.2例术后残留轻度间歇性跛行,1例在术后11个月出现静息痛.2例分别于术后6、17个月发现人造血管闭塞,术后平均2年通畅率为90％.结论 股-股动脉人工血管转流术是治疗单侧髂动脉严重狭窄或闭塞的一种简单而有效手术,也适用于特殊类型动脉瘤的腔内联合治疗.     

Factors affecting saphenous vein graft patency: clinical and angiographic study in 1402 symptomatic patients operated on between 1977 and 1999

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to find the preoperative and intraoperative factors that affect vein graft patency. METHODS: A total of 3715 graft angiograms in 1607 patients were studied for recurrence of angina. The preoperative patient characteristics and intraoperative variables were prospectively collected from patients who had primary coronary artery bypass grafting during the period from 1977 to 1999. A total of 1339 (83%) patients were male, with a mean age of 59 years. The mean period from operation to reangiogram was 99 months. The saphenous vein was grafted to the left anterior descending artery in 557 (15%), to the diagonal artery in 669 (18%), to the obtuse marginal artery in 1300 (35%), to the right coronary artery in 409 (11%), and to the posterior descending artery in 780 (21%) cases. Graft failure was defined as >or=80% stenosis. RESULTS: During the course of the study, 2266 (61%) grafts were patent, and 1449 (39%) had failed. The patient variables that significantly reduced graft patency were a younger age (P <.001) and an ejection fraction <30% (P =.047). Operative variables associated with reduced graft patency were small coronary artery diameter (P <.001), large conduit diameter (P =.001), and the coronary artery grafted (lowest patency in the right coronary artery and maximum patency in the left anterior descending artery territory; P =.002). The interval from operation to repeat angiogram (P <.001, with 78% patent at 1 year, 78% at 5 years, 60% at 10 years, and 50% at 15 years) and the year in which the operation was performed (more recent operations had better patency; P <.001) significantly affected graft patency. CONCLUSIONS: Saphenous vein graft patency improved over the course of the study. The best results were obtained in older patients with good left ventricular function. Large-caliber arteries on the left system, when grafted with a small-diameter vein, were associated with the best outcome.     

Eighteen-year experience with femoro-femoral bypass

BACKGROUND: The role of femoro-femoral bypass in the management of aorto-iliac occlusive disease has evolved during the past two decades. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early and long-term outcomes of femoro-femoral bypass grafts performed at the University of Hong Kong Medical Centre during an 18-year period. METHODS: From 1981 to 1998, a retrospective analysis of 61 patients who underwent femoro-femoral bypass at the University of Hong Kong Medical Centre was undertaken. Data on demographic features and results of surgical intervention were reviewed. Early outcomes (morbidity, mortality and improvement of clinical category) and long-term outcomes (graft patency, patient survival and limb salvage rates) were analysed. RESULTS: The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 16% and 7%, respectively. Clinical success was achieved in 48 patients (79%) after operation. The primary patency of femoro-femoral bypass was 86%, 79% and 71% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. The limb salvage rate was 85% at 3 years. The cumulative survival rate of the study population was 89%, 82% and 73% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Femoro-femoral bypass was successful in relieving ischaemic pain and limb salvage in approximately 80% of patients. A 5-year patency rate of 71% was achieved. Femoro-femoral bypass remains a valuable surgical procedure for limb salvage in poor-risk patients with unilateral iliac artery occlusion.     

Limb salvage with CryoVein cadaver saphenous vein allografts used for peripheral arterial bypass: role of blood compatibility

Patients suffering from limb-threatening ischemia often have scarce or inadequate autogenous veins for complex lower limb revascularization. One option for such patients is to use conduit consisting of cadaver saphenous vein allograft (CSVA) as a final surgical option before limb amputation. This study reviewed retrospectively the patency of CryoVein CSVA allografts, processed by CryoLife, Inc., in 54 implant cases of lower extremity arterial bypass over a span of 6 years. Patient demographics, graft patency, limb salvage, and blood type matching of donor to recipient were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed postoperative primary patency rates of 89, 63%, 30%, 17%, and 9% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Secondary patency rates were 89%, 74%, 63%, 63%, and 54% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Limb salvage rates were 67% at 12 months and 54% at 18 months. Median follow-up was 467 days. Of the 34 cases where the patient received a blood-group compatible CSVA, 30 had limb salvage and only six of 20 noncompatible grafts offered limb salvage (p = 0.05). Although primary patency rate was poor at 1 year, high secondary patency and limb salvage rates support the use of CSVA as a peripheral bypass conduit alternative. Cases with donor-recipient ABO blood type compatibility had significantly better limb salvage.     

Present status of reversed vein bypass grafting: five-year results of a modern series

From January 1980 through December 1988, 564 limbs in 434 patients were treated for infrainguinal arterial ischemia. Of these, 516 limbs in 387 patients underwent reversed vein bypass grafting. The remainder were treated by primary amputation (11 limbs, 1.9%) or by prosthetic bypass (37 limbs, 6.4%). The indications for operation were limb salvage in 80% of limbs and claudication in 20%. Adequate ipsilateral greater saphenous vein was available for 285 (55%) grafts, with reversed vein bypass achieved in the other 231 operations by use of distal graft origins (151 grafts), use of alternate vein sources (120 grafts), and splicing of venous segments (81 grafts). Seventy-six grafts (15%) were to the above-knee popliteal artery, 199 grafts (37%) were to the below-knee popliteal artery, and 241 grafts (47%) were to infrapopliteal arteries, 26 of which (11%) were to inframalleolar arteries. The primary and secondary patencies for all grafts at 5 years were 75% and 81%, respectively. Grafts to infrapopliteal arteries had significantly worse primary patency (69%) at 5 years than did grafts to the popliteal artery (77%, above knee; 80%, below knee) and grafts formed of adequate ipsilateral greater saphenous vein had significantly better primary patency (80%) than did grafts performed when this conduit was not available (68%). Secondary patency of all graft categories ranged from 76% to 85%, and there were no significant differences regardless of site of distal anastomosis, source of venous conduit, or site of graft origins. We prefer the use of reversed vein bypass grafting for lower extremity revascularization both because of the excellent patency results and because the technique can be applied to the larger number of patients in our practice who lack intact ipsilateral greater saphenous vein, in contrast to in situ vein bypass procedures.     

Is arterial reconstruction to the ankle worthwhile in the absence of autologous vein?

Autologous vein from either the arm or the leg is the preferred conduit for femoro-crural grafting. Limb salvage rates using prosthetic grafts have been sufficiently disappointing for many surgeons to consider primary amputation in the absence of suitable vein. We have attempted to improve prosthetic graft patency by the creation of a compliant, wide diameter vein collar at the distal anastomosis. Thirty patients with critical ischaemia (i.e.: rest pain with distal tissue loss or doppler ankle pressure less than 40 mmHg2.3) have undergone grafting to a crural vessel in the lower third of the calf using 6 mm externally supported PTFE (IMPRA) with a vein collar (17% of all lower calf grafts, 9% of all femoro-distal procedures). Five of the grafts occluded in the peri-operative period, resulting in major amputations. Another 4 grafts occluded within 12 months of operation resulting in amputation. A further 7 grafts have occluded but not required amputation. Fourteen (47%) grafts remain patent at a mean follow-up of 13.9 months (range 1-49) with a mean graft patency of 10 months. The aim of salvage surgery is to maintain independence until death supervenes. In this series 6 (20%) patients have died during follow-up and the best possible result in the 30 patients would have been a total of 417 "amputation avoided" months. In fact 300 "amputation avoided" months were achieved. Moreover, 21 legs (70%) have avoided amputation during the patient's lifetime, or at the most recent follow-up. These results suggest that femorocrural grafting using PTFE with a vein collar is worthwhile and preferable to primary amputation in the elderly patient.     

Long saphenous vein harvesting techniques and their effect on graft patency

Coronary artery bypass grafting is a key cardiac surgery procedure and is the main treatment for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The most frequently used conduit for this procedure is the long saphenous vein (LSV). The technique of harvesting the LSV has evolved over the last 30 years from total open harvesting to endoscopic with minimal access technique. The most important determining factor for success in coronary artery surgery is the graft patency rate. The literature evidence behind each technique has been reported at different levels and there is an ongoing debate about which technique can provide optimum vein patency over the long term. This literature review aims to summarize the current evidence, the implications involved with the use of each technique for harvesting LSV and the patency rate at variable follow‐up intervals.     

Factual palliation with femoropopliteal bypass for salvage.

Sixty-seven patients undergoing femoropopliteal bypass for salvage are examined. Salvage procedures were initially successfully in 75% of these selected patients. Hospital mortality was 12%; and 44% sustained a significant complication. At 2 yr, nearly 25% of all patients operated upon had died. At 2 yr, 40% of the survivors had required amputation. At 2 yr, with an accumulated graft patency of 58%, only 34% of the initial group were alive with a viable extremity. Operative candidacy mus be determined by preexisting disease, arteriographic findings and predicted palliative benefits, rather than predicted graft patency.     

Reconstructive vascular surgery below the knee

In a series of 38 consecutive patients with advanced peripheral vascular disease (i.e. rest pain) reconstructive vascular surgery was performed with the distal anastomosis below the knee. Ankle/arm pressure index (AAI) was 0.28 (0.11-0.47) preoperatively; accumulated graft patency rate was 0.47 (SD = 0.08) after one year, after three years 0.22 (SD = 0.08). At follow-up (June 83) 34 patients were still alive, 11 patients with patent grafts and an AAI of 0.87 (0.74-1.01). During the study 19 patients required amputation. Seven patients had an occluded graft, but had avoided amputation. Although the prognosis in regard to graft patency is poor, we still suggest that distal vascular surgery should be considered prior to primary amputation.     

Autogenous vein graft repair of injured extremity arteries: early and late results with 134 consecutive patients

Autogenous vein tissue is recognized as the preferred material for extremity revascularizations that require the use of a conduit. However, the results after vascular repair of injured extremity arteries with autogenous vein interposition or bypass grafts have not been well defined. This study was done to determine both the early and late patency and limb salvage rates as well as the graft infection rate of autogenous vein repairs of injured extremity arteries. The records of 134 consecutive patients with acute extremity arterial injuries requiring repair with a reversed autogenous vein graft over a recent 5-year period were reviewed. Follow-up graft patency was defined by the presence of a palpable pulse and an extremity Doppler-derived pressure index of greater than or equal to 0.9 distal to the arterial repair. Cumulative patency was assessed by the life-table method. Acute graft thrombosis occurred in two patients, one of whom underwent successful graft thrombectomy. Four patients (3%) required extremity amputation: one patient with a thrombosed vein graft and three patients with patent vein grafts but nonsalvageable limbs as a result of myonecrosis (2) or osteomyelitis (1). No perioperative graft infections occurred. One hundred twenty-eight patients (97%) had an intact extremity and a patent vein graft at the time of hospital discharge. One hundred three patients (80%) were examined at 30 days, and all grafts were patent. Seventy-three patients (57%) were available for follow-up at intervals exceeding 6 months, and 40 patients (31%) were followed-up for periods exceeding 24 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Durability of antegrade synthetic aortomesenteric bypass for chronic mesenteric ischemia

OBJECTIVE: The optimal treatment (endovascular/open repair, conduit, configuration) for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) remains unresolved. This study was designed to review the outcome of patients with CMI treated with antegrade synthetic aortomesenteric bypass. METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective review in an academic tertiary care medical center. Patients with CMI who underwent antegrade synthetic aortomesenteric bypass were identified from a computerized vascular registry (from January 1987 to January 2001) with antegrade synthetic aortomesenteric bypass as intervention. Outcome measures were functional outcome (symptom relief, weight gain) and both graft patency (duplex ultrasound/angiography) and survival rates as determined with life-table analysis. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (female, 70%; age, 62 +/- 12 years) underwent aortomesenteric bypass (aortoceliac/aortosuperior mesenteric, n = 45; aortosuperior mesenteric, n = 2) for CMI (abdominal pain, 98%; weight loss, 83%). In-hospital mortality rate was 11% (four multiple organ dysfunction, one bowel infarction), mean length of stay was 32 +/- 30 days, three patients (6%) were discharged to a nursing home, and one (2%) was discharged home on parenteral nutrition (duration 4 months). At a mean follow-up period of 31 +/- 27 months, all patients had relief of abdominal pain and 86% had gained weight (at > or =1 year follow-up: mean ideal body weight 103 +/- 22%; versus before surgery: 87 +/- 17%; P <.001). Fourteen patients (34%) had diarrhea at discharge that persisted more than 6 months in 10. One patient had acute mesenteric ischemia develop from a failed graft (at 20 months), two patients had recurrent CMI develop from failing grafts (at 46 months and 49 months), and one asymptomatic patient was found to have a failing graft with duplex ultrasound scan (at 17 months); all grafts were revised. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary 5-year graft patency rates with life-table analysis were 69% (standard error [SE], 17%), 94% (SE, 7%), and 100%, respectively, and the 5-year survival rate was 74% (SE, 12%). CONCLUSION: Antegrade synthetic aortomesenteric bypass for CMI is associated with good functional outcome and long-term graft patency.     

Course of angina 1 to 12 years after aortocoronary bypass surgery related to changes in grafts and native coronary arteries

Among 500 patients who received aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts at the Montreal heart Institute between September 1969 and August 1972, the condition in 88% of survivors with respect to angina pectoris was improved 1 year after surgery and 47% were still better after 12 years. One year after grafting, 202 patients underwent follow-up angiography; symptoms of angina had lessened in 89% who had at least one graft patent but in only 57.5% of those with all grafts occluded. This difference was still obvious 12 years after surgery. Loss of improvement decreased at a mean annual rate of 3.7%. Of the 59 angina-free patients at 1 year who had angiographic follow-up at 10 to 12 years, angina developed subsequently in 30 (51%); 25 (83%) of these were found to have obstructive changes that reduced the lumen by at least 50% in grafts or in ungrafted coronary arteries, compared with only 13 (45%) of the 29 angina-free patients who did not have angina subsequently. Improvement in the degree of angina and its recurrence after bypass surgery are closely related to graft patency and subsequent development of atherosclerosis in the grafts or in the native coronary arteries.     

Follow-up of infrainguinal graft thrombolysis: analysis of predictors of clinical success

HYPOTHESIS: Thrombolysis is an accepted technique to salvage a failed infrainguinal bypass graft. Careful case selection, including consideration of the native arterial runoff and the type and location of the graft, will portend a better clinical outcome and prolonged graft patency. DESIGN: Retrospective study of an inception cohort of 91 acutely thrombosed grafts. SETTING: Academic tertiary care center. PATIENTS: We analyzed 91 consecutive occluded grafts in 69 patients for secondary graft patency and clinical outcome. INTERVENTION: Regional transcatheter thrombolysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Technical success, secondary graft patency, and the need for major limb amputation. RESULTS: Immediate technical success resulting in restoration of flow was achieved in 80 (88%) of 91 cases. Angioplasty or additional surgical intervention (eg, patch, interposition graft, or jump graft to a more distal site) was performed in 44 subjects (64%). Longer duration of secondary patency was associated with synthetic vs vein grafts (P =.03), popliteal vs distal (tibial/pedal) insertion of the anastomosis (P =.008), and intact native arterial outflow (P =.003). Twenty-three cases required major limb amputation in the follow-up period, but 17 (74%) of these had reocclusion within 30 days of thrombolysis. Only 43 grafts (47%) were found to be patent at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected cases, thrombolytic therapy is an effective means to restore limb viability in patients with occluded infrainguinal grafts. Long-term patency rates, although similar to those of surgical series, remain poor.