Is semi-closed endarterectomy of the superficial femoral artery combined with a short venous bypass in case of insufficient venous material an acceptable alternative for limb-threatening ischemia?
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to analyse the results of infragenual arterial revascularisation using semiclosed endarterectomy of the superficial femoral artery combined with a short venous bypass in patients with critical leg ischemia and insufficient venous material for a straightforward femorocrural reconstruction.


METHODS
From December 1990 through December 1998 thirty patients were studied (22 males and 8 females; mean age 65 years, range 31-92 years). The mean follow-up was 26 months (range 1-96 months). Cumulative primary patency and limb salvage rates were calculated according to life-table analysis.


RESULTS
The cumulative primary patency was 60.3% at 1 year and 48.4% at 3 years. The limb salvage rate was 68.6% at 1 and at 3 years.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with limb-threatening ischemia and lack of venous material for a straightforward venous femorocrural bypass, semi-closed endarterectomy of the superficial femoral artery combined with a short popliteo-crural bypass provides a good alternative.
Rijbroek
A
A
Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A.Rijbroek@azvu.nl
Vermeulen
E G
EG
Wisselink
W
W
Rauwerda
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D004691:Endarterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D015993:Life Tables; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014654:Vascular Patency