Some Aspects of Obliterative Vascular Disease of the Lower Limb

Abstract

This monograph was prepared and presented primarily for those not specialized in peripheral vascular disease. The authors have had considerable experience in the study of patients with obliterative vascular disease of the lower extremities and the application of lumbar sympathectomy in its treatment. Drawing from this experience and a review of the pertinent literature, the pathology, clinical manifestations, special methods of investigation, pathologic physiology, use of vasodilator drugs, rationale, technique, and results of lumbar sympathectomy are reviewed quite adequately. Photographs, charts, and graphs are liberally and appropriately used to illustrate the necessary points. Although the authors' experience in direct arterial surgery is not extensive, they have included a chapter dealing with this approach, with descriptions and illustrations of some of the more commonly employed technical methods. In this connection, experienced vascular surgeons would disagree with their statement that an acute arterial occlusion is better treated by anticoagulant drugs, or rarely,