Infrainguinal revascularization based on duplex ultrasound arterial mapping.
OBJECTIVE
Recent reports have advocated duplex ultrasound arterial mapping (DUAM) as the sole preoperative imaging modality for planning infrainguinal revascularization. This study reports the outcome of arterial revascularization procedures for chronic limb ischemia based on DUAM.


METHODS
From January 2002 to December 2004, 253 patients (175 men, 78 women) underwent infrainguinal revascularization based on DUAM. The indications for surgery were severe claudication (11%), rest pain (15%), gangrene (40%), non-healing ulcer (34%). Preoperative evaluation consisted of DUAM alone in 208 cases (82%) or a combination of DUAM and contrast arteriography (CA) in 30 (12%) and intraoperative angiography or direct exploration in 15 (6%). DUAM allowed imaging from the distal aorta to the pedal arteries and the selection of inflow and outflow bypass anastomosis sites. CA was deemed necessary due to technical difficulties or medico-legal reasons.


RESULTS
DUAM procedure time averaged 90+30 min. Proximal anastomosis was located in common femoral arteries in 202 cases, popliteal in 51. Distal anastomosis was to the tibial arteries in 144 cases and pedal arteries in 109. Primary patency was 89% and 67% at 12 and 36 months. Secondary patency was 93% and 82% at 12 and 36 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This experience shows that DUAM may be a safe alternative to CA for patients with chronic limb ischemia. Adequate training and experience is necessary to utilize this technique as the sole preoperative imaging modality for planning infrainguinal revascularization.
Mandolfino
T
T
Unit and Specializing School of Vascular Surgery,University of Messina, Messina, Italy. tommasomandolfino@libero.it
Canciglia
A
A
D'Alfonso
M
M
Carmignani
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D005734:Gangrene / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016909:Tibial Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014680:Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery