title: Upper extremity bypass for chronic ischemia--a national surgical quality improvement program study database study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We undertook this study to determine the outcomes of upper extremity arterial reconstruction for chronic ischemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was queried to identify all patients who had undergone an upper extremity bypass for chronic ischemia between 2005 and 2007.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 55 patients were identified in a primarily female population (71% women). Mean age was 57. The most common preoperative diagnoses included ischemia resulting from prior arterial thromboembolism in 16 (29%) patients and atherosclerotic upper extremity arterial disease in 11 (20%) patients. The most common procedures performed included axillo-brachial bypass in 17 (31%) patients, brachial-brachial bypass in 11 (20%) patients, and carotid-brachial bypass in 11 (20%) patients. There were no perioperative deaths and no acute graft failures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although upper extremity bypass remains rare, the procedures appear to be safe with excellent 30-day results. Indications differ from those for lower extremity bypass.
authors: Howard University College of Medicine and Hospital, Department of Surgery,Washington, DC 20060, USA. kakra.hughes@howard.edu
authors: Kakra
authors: K
authors: Hughes
authors: Maricel
authors: M
authors: Cubangbang
authors: Kwesi
authors: K
authors: Blackman
authors: Oluwaseyi
authors: O
authors: Bolorunduro
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Rose
authors: Edward E
authors: EE
authors: Cornwell
authors: Wendy R
authors: WR
authors: Greene
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Obisesan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D058996:Quality Improvement; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D058017:Vascular Grafting / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult