title: Early results of endovascular-assisted in situ saphenous vein bypass grafting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated an endovascular technique for occlusion of arteriovenous fistula when performing saphenous vein in situ bypass grafting.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 31 limbs femoropopliteal (17) or femorotibial (14) in situ bypass grafting was performed for claudication/aneurysm (4), rest pain (6), or tissue loss (21). A valvulotome was used for valve lysis. Saphenous vein branches were identified with angioscopy in 16 limbs or with fluoroscopy in the remainder. An electronically steerable endovascular catheter was used to deliver platinum coils into the venous tributaries to occlude them.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The maximal number of coils placed in any limb was nine. Most operations were performed with only a groin incision (length = 9.8 +/- 1.6 cm) and a distal incision (length = 16.8 +/- 6.5 cm). Wound complications occurred in four limbs, whereas four limbs developed localized superficial thrombophlebitis. The postoperative ankle-brachial index increased to a mean of 0.91 +/- 0.12. Postoperative duplex imaging revealed a missed arteriovenous fistula in 12 limbs. Two were surgically ligated, whereas the remainder were embolized in the radiology suite. Postoperative length of hospitalization was 4 +/- 2 days in uncomplicated cases. Follow-up revealed five graft occlusions. Occlusion occurred at 12 hours, 2 weeks, and 6, 14, and 15 months after operation. Although there were no perioperative deaths, two patients have died of unrelated causes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This endovascular technique of arteriovenous fistula embolization decreased the length of the surgical wounds, and patients were discharged 4 +/- 2 days in uncomplicated cases. The ultimate test of its efficacy, however, will be long-term functional results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Indiana University Medical Center, Richard L. Roudebush Veteran's Administration Hospital, Indianapolis.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Cikrit
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Dalsing
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Lalka
authors.forename: N F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Fiore
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Sawchuk
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Ladd
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Solooki
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery; D020677:Angioscopes; D017546:Angioscopy / Q000379:methods; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005734:Gangrene / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000601:surgery; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016909:Tibial Arteries / Q000601:surgery