title: Occlusion of aortofemoral bifurcation grafts: how to improve the results?
abstract: Forty-three patients with graft occlusion after aortofemoral bifurcation bypass surgery were analysed (1971-1986, 52 bypass branches, 75 graft occlusions). The late occlusion dominated with 73.1%. A poor run off was the main reason in 40.4%. A reduced inflow was responsible in 36.6%, especially caused by graft kinking. Bypass thrombectomy was performed in 56.7%, in 35.8% in combination with a distal reconstruction. Graft exchange was indicated in 39.6% but in 25.6% extraanatomical reconstruction was performed due to a high risk situation. Perioperative mortality rate measured 13.9%, not depending on the surgical procedures. Four times a major amputation was unavoidable. Therefore, in nine patients (= 20.9%) extremity or life could not be preserved. The rate of bifurcation graft occlusions can be reduced by technical improvement of the proximal anastomosis as to the mentioned guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Standort Charlottenburg, Free University, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hepp
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pallua
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Langer
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001366:Axillary Artery / Q000601:surgery; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates