In situ bypass to the dorsalis pedis and tibial arteries at the ankle.

Abstract

Over a three-year period (1984-1987), we performed 98 in situ saphenous vein bypasses to the tibial arteries in 89 patients. In 68 of these grafts, the distal anastomoses were above ankle level. All but one of these grafts were performed for limb salvage indications. Seven (10%) of these grafts were done in patients on chronic renal dialysis. In 30 grafts, the distal anastomoses were to the ankle level. Indications for surgery were risk of limb loss in all these patients, with tissue loss in 29 (97%). Six (20%) were done in patients on chronic renal dialysis. Operative mortality was 3% in both groups. Late mortality was 13% in the above-ankle group, and 27% in the ankle level group. Secondary patency for the above-ankle group was 97%, 85%, 81%, and 81% at 30 days, one year, two years, and three years. Primary patency was 91%, 67%, and 58% at 30 days, one year, and two years, after which the standard error is greater than 10%. Secondary patency for the grafts at the ankle level was 100% and 82% at 30 days and one and one-half years. Primary patency rates were 93% and 68% at 30 days and one year. In situ bypass grafts at the ankle level had patency rates equivalent to grafts with distal anastomoses above the ankle. Patients with distal bypasses usually presented with tissue loss and had a higher late mortality rate. Careful follow-up and operative intervention when changes in graft velocities or indices are recognized, markedly improves the durability of the in situ saphenous vein bypass.