title: Outflow distribution at the distal anastomosis of infrainguinal bypass grafts.
abstract: Outflow distribution at the distal anastomosis of infrainguinal bypass grafts remains unquantified in vivo, but is likely to influence flow patterns and haemodynamics, thereby impacting upon graft patency. This study measured the ratio of distal to proximal outflow in 30 patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass for lower limb ischaemia, using a flow probe and a transit-time ultrasonic flow meter. The mean outflow distribution was approximately 75% distal to 25% proximal, with above knee anastomoses having a greater proportion of distal flow (84%) compared to below knee grafts (73%). These in vivo flow characteristics differ significantly from those used in theoretical models studying flow phenomena (50:50 and/or 100:0), and should be incorporated into future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Engineering, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: How
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bakran
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D000792:Angiography; D001163:Arteriovenous Anastomosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D019737:Transplants; D014463:Ultrasonography