Proximalized lateral tunnel for the bypass to the dorsalis pedis artery -- a safe way to go.
BACKGROUND
Wound complications associated with bypass grafting to the dorsalis pedis artery are frequent, and threaten the viability of the bypass and the limb.


METHODS
The long saphenous vein can be tunneled from its bed down the lateral side of the anterior margin of the tibia for subsequent anastomosis with the dorsalis pedis artery.


CONCLUSIONS
The proximalized lateral tunnel for the bypass to the dorsalis pedis artery has the advantage of protecting the bypass graft from exposure if the patient develops wound breakdown.
Mouton
W G
WG
Department of Surgery, Regionalspital Thun, Switzerland.
Otten
K T
KT
Fitridge
R A
RA
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*