Graft selection for the peripheral vascular by-pass surgery and its contribution to patency

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to present clinical results associated with graft selection in peripheral bypass surgery. Materials and methods: Between August 2007 and January 2009, 68 patients who underwent peripheral arterial bypass surgery in our cardiovascular department were included in this study. Eighty-one percent (n=55) of them were male and 19 % (n=13) of them were female, patients\' mean age was 57p10 years. We have performed aorto-bifemoral bypass to 16 patients, femoro-politeal bypass to 36 patients, femoro-femoral cross over bypass to 7 patients, ilio-femoro-politeal bypass to 4 patients, aorto- femoral bypass to1 patient and axillo-bifemoral bypass in 4 patients, respectively. Saphenous vein, stented or stentless polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Dacron grafts and composite grafts were used according to atherosclerotic area and surgical technique. Results: Above knee bypass procedure was performed in 31 patients and the remaining 7 patients required knee level or below knee bypass procedure. Comparing synthetic grafts and composit vein grafts above knee and below knee regions, revealed that there was no difference in above knee region, but in the below knee region autogenous saphenous vein graft was superior to synthetic grafts in patency rate. Conclusion: In this study, according to patency rate, there was no difference in above knee bypass procedures; but in the below knee bypass procedures, autogenous saphenous vein graft was found superior to synthetic grafts.