Combined aortofemoral and extended deep femoral artery reconstruction. Functional results and predictors of need for distal bypass

In patients with combined aortoiliac and femoropopliteal occlusive disease, severe involvement of the deep femoral artery (DFA) has often been considered an indication for simultaneous aortofemoral and femorodistal bypass grafting. In 73 patients (87 limbs) with multilevel disease, extended DFA reconstruction was performed with aortofemoral bypass. Five-year actuarial patency of the reconstructions and overall five-year actuarial limb salvage were 62.2% and 60.2%, respectively. Of 20 variables tested, four were significantly associated with the functional outcome of the procedures. Multivariate analysis identified two factors as predictive of outcome independently from other variables: preoperative ankle-brachial pressure index and angiographic status of the below-knee popliteal artery. However, in case of reoperation for occluded aortofemoral graft, these factors lost their validity. Extended DFA reconstruction is a valuable and durable procedure able to provide an adequate outflow and distal perfusion. Careful judgment in each clinical situation will aid in selecting a small group of patients in which simultaneous femorodistal bypass is required.     

Autogenous Profundaplasty: The Key to Long-term Patency in Secondary Repair of Aortofemoral Graft Occlusion

The records of 281 patients undergoing aortic grafting to 522 femoral arteries over a period of 18 years were reviewed. Fifty-four patients suffering graft limb occlusion to 71 femoral arteries requiring subsequent secondary repair were identified for detailed analysis. Occlusive disease of the profunda femoris artery was identified as the primary cause of thrombosis. Repair consisted of profunda femoris angioplasty, and transfemoral retrograde graft thrombectomy was possible in all but three instances which were managed by cross-over femoral-femoral bypass. In no instance was laparotomy and abdominal graft replacement necessary. The 30 day operative survival and graft patency were 100%. Analysis of factors that have influenced late graft patency demonstrated that the key factors were the method of profundaplasty and the association of diabetes mellitus. When autogenous profundaplasty (on-lay arterial patches, saphenous vein, or limited endarterectomy) was employed, the overall patency combining diabetics and non-diabetics was two and one-half times greater than when profundaplasty was performed with an on-lay Dacron((R)) patch. If diabetics were separated from nondiabetics in the autogenous angioplasty group, the 36 month patency for non-diabetics was 85%, and 0% for diabetics. We conclude that autogenous profundaplasty provides considerable advantage from the standpoint of long-term patency and that the diabetic patients are relatively poor candidates for secondary arterial repair of an occluded aortofemoral bypass graft.     

Descending thoracic aorta-to-iliofemoral artery bypass as an alternative to aortoiliac reconstruction.

During the last 3 decades subcutaneous extraanatomic bypass, despite its limited durability, has been the favored alternative to infrarenal aortofemoral bypass. Meanwhile, the descending thoracic aorta has been scarcely used as an inflow source for aortoiliac reconstruction. Over the past 8 years we performed 16 bypasses from the descending thoracic aorta to the iliofemoral vessels for occlusive disease. Our experience combined with that found in the English-language literature totaled 141 patients. In 79 patients (56%) the indication for surgery was failure or infection of an abdominal aortofemoral graft. Previous abdominal operations, sepsis, radiation therapy, the presence of abdominal stomas, or an unsuitable infrarenal aorta were the indications in the remaining cases. The combined operative mortality rate was 6.4%. The life-table primary graft patency was 98% at 1 year, 88% at 2 years, and 70.4% at 5 years. Bypass from the descending thoracic aorta to the iliofemoral artery uses an inflow source superior to other extraanatomic reconstructions, does not require aortic cross-clamping, avoids the abdominal cavity, and places the graft remote to the skin and intestine. The operative mortality and patency rates compare favorably to those of other extraanatomic or remedial aortic reconstructions. Descending thoracic aorta to iliofemoral artery bypass is a superb alternative to abdominal aortofemoral bypass, carries a low mortality rate, has an excellent short-term patency, and features unique characteristics for long-term durability.     

Endarterectomized superficial femoral artery as an arterial patch

Eighty-six patients underwent 90 profundaplasties for lower extremity ischemia using endarterectomized superficial femoral artery (ESFA) or vein as an arterial patch. Standard length profundaplasty was performed in 60 limbs and extended profundaplasty in 28. Seventy-two were performed for limb salvage and 18 for severe claudication. Fifty-four limbs underwent inflow reconstruction and profundaplasty, while 36 others had profundaplasty alone. Three-year cumulative patency rates were employed to compare the type of autogenous patch material to the profundaplasty length, operative indications, and procedures. In all groups, ESFA performed as well as vein. Endarterectomized superficial femoral artery patch angioplasty provides comparable long-term results to vein patch in patients undergoing profundaplasty, and demonstrates its durability as a vascular patch in situations where autogenous tissue is required or preferred while preserving the saphenous vein for later use.     

Isolated profundaplasty for limb salvage

Fifty-four patients underwent 56 profundaplasties for limb salvage. All had stenosis greater than 50% in diameter of the deep femoral artery and associated superficial femoral artery occlusive disease. After profundaplasty, ischemic ulcers healed in 9 of 17 (53%) patients. Rest pain was relieved in 6 of 19 (32%) and areas of ischemic necrosis healed in 7 of 20 (35%). Cumulative patency of the deep femoral artery was 49% at 3 years but fell to 21% at 5 years, whereas cumulative limb salvage was 49% and 36%, respectively. Eleven of the required 28 amputations were performed in the immediate postoperative period. Profundaplasty was used to lower the amputation level and preserve the knee joint in six patients. The other five early amputations occurred in severely ischemic limbs without distal vessels suitable for bypass. The profundaplasty remained patent in all 19 patients who underwent below-knee amputation and 16 (84%) became ambulatory with a prosthesis. Hemodynamic data provided by determination of the profundapopliteal collateral index predicted limb salvage in 10 of 11 (91%) of limbs when the index value was less than or equal to 0.19. Other clinical criteria, such as preoperative ankle-brachial index and the presence of diabetes mellitus, had no predictive value. Isolated profundaplasty for limb salvage is an effective first procedure for selected patients and provides a reasonable alternative to primary amputation or high-risk distal bypass. When amputation is inevitable, effective perfusion of the profunda femoris artery is essential for preservation of the knee joint and results in a high degree of functional rehabilitation.     

Treatment of late occlusions and stenoses after an aortofemoral bypass operation

Thirty-three patients with one or several late occlusions in 43 limbs of aortofemoral dacron grafts underwent 56 reconstructions because of impending limb loss. Thrombectomy alone with patch closure was less successful. Excision of the femoral anastomosis, resection of the distal part of the occluded prosthetic limb and replacement by a new velours graft tube together with profundaplasty and further downstream reconstruction revealed the best results. The early reocclusion rate was 10%, the late reocclusion rate was 10%. There was no operative mortality and no amputation. Two late deaths occurred, in one case due to grade III infection with sepsis. Another late graft infection was successfully managed by an extraanatomic bypass and excision of the infected limb. The reasons for late occlusions of aortofemoral grafts were found to be incomplete reconstruction of the outflow tract, technical failure at the time of primary reconstruction and progressive atherosclerosis. Hypertonus was common in all cases with progression of the disease. Technical details of the operative management for late occlusion are presented.     

Aortofemoral bypass and the role of concomitant femorodistal reconstruction

A consecutive series of 200 patients having aortofemoral bypass grafts were studied in order to determine the effect of femoropopliteal occlusive disease on the results and the role of concomitant femorodistal bypass. Bifurcated aortic grafts were used in 177 patients and unilateral aortofemoral grafts in 23 giving 377 limbs for study. Of the 377 limbs, 184 (49 per cent) had minimal femoropopliteal disease (Group 1), 24 (6.4 per cent) had a femoropopliteal stenosis (Group 2) and 169 (44.6 per cent) had complete femoropopliteal occlusion (Group 3). In Group 3 aortofemoral bypass was carried out alone in 106 cases (Group 3a): in the other 63 cases femorodistal bypass was carried out at the same time as aortoiliac reconstruction (Group 3b). The cumulative patency at 5 years for all aortofemoral grafts together was 91 per cent. However, that for grafts in Group 3a was only 65 per cent compared with 98 per cent for Groups 1 and 3b and 94 per cent for Group 2. The cumulative patency rate for grafts in Group 3a was significantly lower than for all other groups (P less than 0.001). The operative mortality for those patients who had concomitant aortofemoral and femorodistal grafts (Group 3b) did not differ significantly from that of any of the other groups (P greater than 0.1). Of the cases in Group 3a, 21 (26 per cent) required femoropopliteal reconstruction at a later date. The results indicate that in the presence of combined aortoiliac and femoropopliteal occlusive disease concomitant reconstruction of both arterial segments yields significantly better results than aortoiliac bypass alone.     

Are there angiographic predictors of success for vein bypass to the peroneal artery?

In order to evaluate the effect of angiographic run-off upon peroneal artery autogenous vein bypass patency and subsequent limb salvage, 53 autogenous vein peroneal artery bypasses performed for ischemic tissue loss were reviewed. All preoperative angiograms were evaluated according to three separate angiographic scoring systems that previously had been designed to quantify the severity of runoff resistance. None of the three scoring systems predicted either early bypass occlusion and/or major amputation. The cumulative 18-month primary patency and 24-month secondary patency rates were 71% and 90%, respectively. The 24-month limb salvage rate was 81%. Initial and intermediate-term salvage of limbs with ischemic tissue loss can be achieved by peroneal artery bypass. Angiographic scoring systems were poor predictors of bypass failure or major amputation.     

Retroperitoneal inflow procedures for iliac occlusive vascular disease

We reviewed our experience over the past six years with retroperitoneal inflow procedures (aortofemoral and iliofemoral bypass grafts) in high-risk patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease. There were 57 limbs in 40 patients. Twenty percent of the patients were diabetic, 80% were smokers, 40% had heart disease, 54% had hypertension, and 25% had symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The average patient age was 64 years. There was no operative mortality and cumulative patency rate by life-table analysis at four years was 84%. The site of the proximal anastomosis (aorta vs iliac) or the configuration of the graft (unifemoral vs bifemoral) did not influence the patency rate. Retroperitoneal inflow procedures are an excellent alternative in patients who present an unacceptably high risk for standard aortofemoral reconstruction.     

Extended profundoplasty to minimize pelvic and distal tissue loss.

Multiple levels of aortoileofemoral occlusive disease may necessitate profundoplasty or extension of the outflow anastomosis to insure pelvic and distal arterial perfusion. During the period 1978 through 1988, 1637 patients underwent elective aortic reconstruction for aneurysmal or occlusive disease. One hundred forty-five had profundoplasty performed to ensure adequate outflow. Associated disease was common with 88 (60%) patients having arteriosclerotic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present in 89 (61%) patients. Hypertension and extracranial occlusive disease was found in 68 (46%) and 56 (38%) patients, respectively. The superficial femoral artery was occluded in 108 (74%) patients, while in 17 (12%) the profunda femoris was the only patent artery in the groin. Death occurred in nine patients (6.2%). Three were due to arrhythmias or myocardial infarction and ischemic colitis was the cause of death in two. Renal failure, sepsis, aspiration and cerebral anoxia, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy accounted for one each. Five graft limbs failed. Amputation was required in one patient, while thrombectomy or distal bypass restored flow in four patients. Seventeen graft limbs in 136 patients occluded during the follow-up period. Distal bypass was successful in four and amputation was required in the fifth patient. Extension of the profundoplasty restored flow in nine limbs, while thrombectomy alone was successful in one. Bilateral amputation was required in one patient with poor run off and insufficient autogenus venous tissue. One hundred fourteen (78.6%) of the 145 patients survived 10 years with patency in 268 of the original 290 limbs at risk (92.4%). Profundoplasty in these patients with multilevel disease seems to extend the long-term patency of aortofemoral grafts and allows return to a normal life-style.     

Eversion endarterectomy of the superficial femoral artery and end-to-side anastomosis to the deep femoral artery: An alternative to extended profundoplasty

The success of aortofemoral reconstruction in patients with superficial femoral artery occlusion depends on the restoration of a satisfactory pulsatile flow to the deep femoral artery. In 18 patients with multilevel disease, widespread involvement of the deep femoral artery, and poor distal outflow, we performed an eversion endarterectomy of the proximal segment of the superficial femoral artery and constructed an end-to-side anastomosis between this segment and the distal deep femoral artery. In 10 patients, the reconstruction was performed after thrombectomy of the occluded aortofemoral graft, and in 8 the two reconstructions were simultaneous. The actuarial patency rate was 93.5 percent at 1 year and 75.2 percent at 5 years. Four late femorodistal bypasses were performed that gave an actuarial limb salvage rate of 68.8 percent at 1 year and 61.6 percent at 5 years. In selected cases, this technique is a valid alternative to an extended profundoplasty or to a femorodistal bypass.     

Limb salvage by extended profundaplasty of occluded deep femoral arteries

This report presents our experience with extended profundaplasty as an outflow procedure for limb salvage in patients with occluded common and profunda femoris arteries. During a 5 year period at Salem Hospital, 15 limbs in 11 patients were revascularized by a variety of inflow procedures combined with extended endarterectomy and patch grafting of an occluded profunda femoris artery. All patients presented with rest pain, ischemic ulcers, or gangrenous toes. Patients with acute embolic disease or thrombosis of a limb of a graft which required immediate reconstruction were excluded from this study. Preoperative arteriograms revealed no patent femoral or graftable popliteal vessels but did demonstrate collateral circulation, specifically portions of the circumflex femoral arteries and muscular branches of the profunda. Operation was undertaken to disobliterate the profunda and reinstitute direct perfusion of the collateral bed. In all cases it was possible to endarterectomize the profunda to eliminate distal spared vessel and to open most of the profunda branches.There was no operative mortality. Follow-up revealed 87 percent limb salvage and 80 percent patency at 1 year. At 2.5 years limb salvage was 77 percent and reconstruction has remained patent in 60 percent of the limbs.These results compare favorably with series that have reported reconstructions for profunda stenosis alone. These preliminary data suggest that endarterectomy and long patch grafting of the proximally occluded profunda may have merit in providing worthwhile palliation in a small subset of patients with advanced occlusive disease.     

The retroperitoneal, left flank approach to the supraceliac aorta for difficult and repeat aortic reconstructions.

Between 1986 and 1990, 11 patients with relative or absolute contraindications to standard infrarenal reconstructions underwent supraceliac aortofemoral bypass. The operation was performed through a left-flank incision extended into the eleventh intercostal space with retroperitoneal and extrapleural dissection. Indications included multiple failed infrarenal reconstructions in four patients, previous removal of infected aortofemoral bypass graft with failure of extra-anatomic bypass in five patients, prior para-aortic lymph node dissection and radiotherapy in one patient, and aortic aneurysmal disease proximal to the renal arteries in one patient. Bypass conduits included either a bifurcated Dacron graft or a tube graft to the left femoral artery with a femorofemoral cross-over graft; concomitant left renal artery reconstruction was performed in three patients. The mean supraceliac cross-clamp time was 24 minutes, and only one patient experienced transient postoperative acute tubular necrosis. There was no operative mortality. The graft limb patency was 95% after mean follow-up extending to 17 months (range: 5 months to 5 years). We conclude that the supraceliac aorta is a useful inflow source for aortofemoral reconstruction in difficult repeat cases. It can be approached easily without thoracotomy and avoids difficult infrarenal aortic dissection in a scarred field. The tunneling is easier than with descending thoracic aorta or ascending aorta inflow sources. In addition, this bypass is likely to be more durable than inflow reconstructions based on the axillary artery.     

Endovascular aortounifemoral grafts and femorofemoral bypass for bilateral limb-threatening ischemia

Purpose: Although axillobifemoral bypass procedures have a lower mortality rate than aortobifemoral bypass procedures, they are limited by decreased patency, moderate hemodynamic improvement, and the need for general anesthesia. This report describes an alternative approach to bilateral aortoiliac occlusive disease using unilateral endovascular aortofemoral bypass procedures in combination with standard femorofemoral reconstructions.Methods: Seven patients who had bilateral critical ischemia and tissue necrosis in association with severe comorbid medical illnesses underwent implantation of unilateral aortofemoral endovascular grafts, which were inserted into predilated, recanalized iliac arteries. The proximal end of the endovascular graft was fixed to the distal aorta or common iliac artery with a Palmaz stent. The distal end of the graft was suture-anastomosed to the ipsilateral patent outflow vessel, and a femorofemoral bypass procedure was then performed.Results: All endovascular grafts were successfully inserted through five occluded and two diffusely stenotic iliac arteries under either local (1), epidural (5), or general anesthesia (1). The mean thigh pulse volume recording amplitudes increased from 9 ± 3 mm to 30 ± 7 mm and from 6 ± 2 mm to 26 ± 4 mm ipsilateral and contralateral to the aortofemoral graft insertion, respectively. In all cases the symptoms completely resolved. Procedural complications were limited to one local wound hematoma. No graft thromboses occurred during follow-up to 28 months (mean, 17 months).Conclusions: Endovascular iliac grafts in combination with standard femorofemoral bypass grafts may be an effective alternative to axillobifemoral bypass in high-risk patients who have diffuse aortoiliac occlusive disease, particularly when bilateral axillary-subclavian disease is present. (J Vasc Surg 1996;24;984-97.)     

Thoracic aorta as source of inflow in reoperation for occluded aortoiliac reconstruction

We reviewed our experience with reoperations for recurrent obstruction occurring after aortoiliac or aortofemoral reconstruction. Patients who underwent successful transfemoral thrombectomy of the aortofemoral graft or femorofemoral crossover graft were excluded from the study. A more proximal source of inflow to revascularize the ischemic limbs was required in the remaining 35 patients. Bilateral reconstruction was performed in 22 patients. Operative indication was rest pain or necrosis in 36 limbs and severe claudication in 21 limbs. Preoperative ankle/brachial pressure index (API) ranged from 0.05 to 0.61. Thirteen patients (21 limbs, group I) underwent transabdominal reoperation. Since the transabdominal approach was considered hazardous because of multiple previous operations, the remaining patients underwent retroperitoneal descending thoracic aorta-femoral artery bypass (15 patients, 25 limbs; group II) or axillofemoral bypass graft (7 patients, 11 limbs; group III). No statistically significant difference was present between the three groups in regard to the operative indication, API, and angiographically determined outflow (analysis of variance, p greater than 0.2). Axillofemoral bypass was preferred in patients with severe chronic pulmonary disease. Postoperative deaths (2 of 35 patients) and morbidity (6 of 35 patients) had a similar incidence in the three groups (p greater than 0.2). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 120 months (mean 37 months). The 5-year actuarial patency rate was 80.5% for group I and 80.2% for group II. In group III it was statistically lower (32.9%, p less than 0.05). Serial measurement showed a significant decrease of API in group III compared with group I and group II. We conclude that retroperitoneal descending thoracic aorta-femoral artery bypass is a valid alternative to transabdominal reoperation when exposure or availability of the abdominal aorta poses a specific hazard and is preferable to axillofemoral bypass in terms of long-term patency and hemodynamic results.     

The natural history of bilateral aortofemoral bypass grafts for ischemia of the lower extremities.

Analysis of the immediate and long-term results in 180 patients undergoing aortofemoral bypass grafts for occlusive disease of the lower extremities showed the immediate graft limb patency in 360 graft limbs to be 99.2%. The cumulative ten-year graft limb patency was 66%. Factors associated with thrombosis of the graft limb revealed correlations for localized atherosclerotic disease of either the profunda femoris artery or the tibial trifurcation vessels. The highest correlation for graft limb thrombosis was with simultaneous lesions involving both the profunda femoris artery and tibial trifurcation vessels. The acute lower extremity salvage rate was 94%, and the ten-year cumulative extremity salvage for legs at risk of amputation was 85%. Postoperative symtpoms correlated well with patency. Overall operative mortality was five patients out of 180 (2.5%).     

The current role for femorofemoral bypass

We reviewed our experience with femorofemoral bypass during the past 10 years to define its role relative to other methods in the treatment of aortoiliac occlusive disease. The cumulative patency rate for 82 patients was 80% +/- 5% at 1 year and 67% +/- 7% at 2 and 3 years. The operation was most likely to be successful if the indication was claudication (p less than 0.05) and if the operation was performed as the primary procedure (p less than 0.01). There was no significant difference when patients with or without profundaplasty were compared. It is concluded that femorofemoral bypass is indicated to treat symptomatic unilateral iliac disease when transluminal dilatation is not possible. Femorofemoral bypass is also the procedure of choice for aortofemoral graft occlusion when the thrombosed limb cannot be reopened. Femorofemoral bypass is recommended for both high- and low-risk patients when indicated.     

Upper extremity bypass grafting for limb salvage in end-stage renal failure

OBJECTIVE: Patients with end-stage renal failure and upper-extremity arterial occlusive disease sometimes have painful digital ulceration. We evaluated the efficacy of distal bypass grafting from the brachial artery for limb salvage in this setting. METHODS: All patients with end-stage renal disease with painful digital ulceration or gangrene of the hand seen from 1992 to 2002 were evaluated with clinical examination and noninvasive studies. Those with evidence of occlusive disease underwent conventional angiography. Individuals with forearm occlusive disease underwent bypass grafting, from the brachial artery to either the distal radial artery or ulnar artery at the level of the wrist or proximal hand. Follow-up was scheduled at regular intervals, and included duplex scanning. Limb salvage and bypass graft patency were determined with life table analysis. RESULTS: Over 10 years, 18 forearm bypass procedures were performed in 15 patients. The outflow artery was the radial artery in 15 procedures and the ulnar artery in 3 procedures. Bypass conduit was autogenous in all patients. No patient had a functioning arteriovenous fistula at bypass grafting; six limbs had previously occluded fistulas. Two bypass grafts (11%) occluded in the early postoperative period, with resultant progression of gangrene. In the remaining 16 grafts patency was maintained (mean follow-up, 18 months), with pain control and tissue healing. CONCLUSION: Treatment in patients with renal failure with upper extremity occlusive disease may be facilitated with brachiodistal bypass grafting. Pain control and reversal of progression of hand necrosis can be achieved.     

56例腘动脉以下肢体动脉缺血的血管重建术分析

目的总结腘动脉水平动脉闭塞血运重建术治疗的临床疗效。方法对2001年7月至2005年8月56例累及腘动脉及腘动脉以下三分支病变重建肢体血运进行回顾性分析。根据病变阻塞平面不同,采用不同的血管架桥,对多平面、多节段动脉闭塞采用聚四氟乙烯人工血管和自体静脉桥复合序贯架桥血运重建。结果术后平均随访17个月,移植血管一期通畅率67．3％,二期通畅率78．8％。结论复合序贯搭桥术治疗累及股浅-腘动脉水平以下多节段（平面）动脉闭塞症是一种较实用的方法,可有效解决自体血管不足和单纯使用人工血管腘动脉以下血管重建通畅率差的问题。     

Value of segmental limb blood pressures in predicting results of aortofemoral bypass

The efficacy of segmental limb blood pressure measurements, assessed noninvasively by Doppler ultrasound, in predicting the result of aortofemoral reconstruction was evaluated in fifty-two extremities with varying extent of aortoiliac and more distal arterial occlusive disease. Three prognostic correlates were analyzed: (1) preoperative proximal thigh/arm pressure index (TPI); (2) preoperative pressure gradient between adjacent leg segments (proximal thigh, above-knee, below-knee, and ankle), normally less than 30 mm Hg; and (3) early postoperative increase in the ankle/arm pressure index (API).After aortofemoral bypass, forty-one limbs (79 per cent) were asymptomatic or improved and eleven were unimproved. The mean TPI in extremities benefiting from aortofemoral bypass, 0.82 ± 0.17 (±1SD) was significantly less than that of unimproved limbs, 1.01 ± 0.09 (p < 0.01). Aortofemoral bypass was beneficial in all twenty limbs with normal leg pressure gradients. Conversely, six of twenty-five legs with one abnormal gradient and five of seven with two abnormal gradients failed to improve. The postoperative increase in API was 0.1 or more in all forty-one improved extremities and was less than 0.1 in all eleven failures. Although eleven of thirty-two limbs (34 per cent) with arteriographic evidence of combined aortoiliac and subinguinal occlusive disease were not improved after proximal bypass, the result of operation could not be predicted from the angiographic pattern or severity of distal disease. Segmental limb blood pressures provide useful predictive indices of the efficacy of aortofemoral bypass and the potential need for more distal reconstruction in multisegmental disease.