LONG-TERM RESULTS OF VASCULAR GRAFTS SEALED WITH FRAGMENTED AUTOLOGOUS ADIPOSE TISSUE FOR AORTOILIAC OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of fragmented autologous adipose tissue (FAT) grafts for revascularization in aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: We subjected 27 patients with atherosclerotic aortoiliac occlusive disease to surgical treatment with fragmented autologous adipose tissue (FAT) grafts. Age at operation ranged from 44 to 90 years. There were 25 males and 2 females. A piece of adipose connective tissue was obtained from the operative wound and chopped up and pressed into the wall of a Dacron prosthesis. An aortobilateral iliac or femoral bypass (Y graft) was done in 13 cases, and an aortounilateral iliac or femoral bypass (straight graft) was done in 14 cases. Results: Cumulative primary patency rates were 92% at 3 years, 86% at 5 years, and 86% at 8 years. Cumulative secondary patency rates were 96, 90, and 90% at the same intervals. In comparison with reported patency rates, the long-term patency of our FAT grafts was not inferior to that of conventional grafts. We conclude that application of the FAT graft is acceptable and safe as a vascular prosthesis for the revascularization of aortoiliac occlusive disease.