Iliofemoral Bypass Research Articles

Ancillary techniques to facilitate endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms

Purpose: The ability to treat abdominal aortoiliac aneurysms and thoracic aortic aneurysms may be limited by coexisting arterial disease. Device deployment may be impaired by occlusive disease and tortuosity of the arteries used to access the aneurysm or by suitability of the implantation sites. In this study we describe the auxiliary procedures performed to circumvent these obstacles and thereby enable endovascular aneurysm repair. Patients and Methods: Between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1999, 390 patients treated for aneurysm of the aorta with endovascular devices were entered prospectively in a vascular registry. Fifty (12%) of the 390 patients required adjunctive surgical techniques to (1) create or extend the length of the proximal or distal device implantation site or (2) permit device navigation through diseased iliac arteries. Auxiliary techniques used to extend or enhance implantation sites were elephant trunk graft (n = 2), the construction of renovisceral bypass grafts (n = 1), and subclavian artery transposition (n = 2). Plication of the common iliac artery at its bifurcation was performed in conjunction with femorofemoral bypass graft in nine patients to allow preservation of pelvic circulation by avoiding internal iliac artery sacrifice. Construction of a bypass graft to transpose the internal iliac artery orifice was performed in one patient. The auxiliary techniques used to facilitate device navigation were iliac artery angioplasty or stenting (n = 8), external iliac artery endovascular endarterectomy or straightening (n = 14), endoluminal iliofemoral bypass conduit (n = 5), and the construction of an open iliofemoral bypass conduit (n = 8). Results: Successful deployment of the endovascular devices was achieved in 49 (98%) of 50 patients. Auxiliary techniques were successful in providing access for endovascular device deployment in all 35 patients (100%). Mean follow-up for techniques to facilitate device navigation is 26 months for endovascular procedures and 42 months for the open bypass graft construction patients; no occlusions were observed at this moment. There were five patients with incisional hematomas that did not necessitate intervention. Fourteen (94%) of 15 patients underwent successful device implantation after the auxiliary maneuvers to enhance implantation site. Mean follow-up for implantation site manipulation is 28 months. One of the subclavian transpositions had a new onset of Horner's syndrome, two of nine patients who had common iliac artery ligated had retroperitoneal hematomas that did not necessitate interventions, and no colon ischemia was seen. The patient who underwent nonanatomic bypass grafting of viscero-renal arteries had a retroperitoneal hematoma that necessitated reexploration. Conclusions: Significant coexisting arterial disease may be encountered in patients with aortic or iliac aneurysms. Identification of coexisting arterial diseases is essential to help tailor the appropriate supplemental surgical procedure to allow the performance of endovascular aneurysm repair in patients who would otherwise require open surgical repair. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:69-75.)

Aortopopliteal Bypass Via Obturator Foramina for Limb Salvage After Failed Previous Iliofemoral, Femorofemoral, Femoral-Popliteal Bypasses

A 65-year-old man with right iliac artery occlusion, left iliofemoral stenosis, and bilateral superficial femoral arteries occlusion, instead of receiving the traditional aortofemoral bypass, underwent in sequence the following operations: left common iliac to femoral bypass, femorofemoral bypass, and bilateral femoropopliteal bypasses with use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. Occlusion of the femoropopliteal bypass and stenosis of the iliofemoral bypass at the distal anastomosis resulted in severe leg ischemia with nonhealing toes and leg ulcers. To minimize ischemia time to the lower extremities, pelvic organs, and kidney and avoid the need for multilevel revascularization, the patient received aortobipopliteal bypass via obturator foramina. The aortic anastomosis was intentionally constructed in and end-to-side fashion to avert the need for left accessory renal artery implantation and interruption of the pelvic arterial supply. The patient has palpable ankle pulses and progressed to heal the ischemic ulcers following the aortobipopliteal bypass operation.

Unilateral Lower Extremity Inflow Procedures: Is There a Preferred Operation?

There is no consensus on optimal surgical treatment of unilateral aortoiliac occlusive disease. The purpose of this study was to compare indications for and results of the various options. Patients undergoing primary, unilateral inflow procedures without adjunctive infrainguinal bypass over a 10-year period were analyzed. Groups were defined as Ax F for unilateral axillofemoral bypass (18); IF for aortounifemoral (two) or ipsilateral iliofemoral (29) bypass; and CF for contralateral iliac-to-femoral (six) or femorofemoral (10) bypass. Risk factors, level and severity of occlusive disease, morbidity, mortality, cumulative primary patency, and limb salvage were compared. Median age was 72 years, limb salvage was the surgical indication in 61% of patients. Infrainguinal occlusion was present in 76.6% of the whole group, while 27.7% had prior outflow procedures. Compared with the other groups, AxF patients were older with more comorbidity and had more contralateral iliofemoral occlusive disease (88.9% vs 48.4%, p < 0.01). IF patients more frequently had prior outflow operations (48.4% vs 11.1%, p < 0.01). Comorbidity and presence of contralateral iliac disease most strongly influenced operation choice. Overall, hospital mortality rate was 3.1% and morbidity rate was 21.5%, not significantly different between groups. Early occlusion occurred in three patients, two IF and one AxF. Life-table primary patency rate was 87.8% (SE ± 4.9%) at 2 years and was not significantly different among the groups. Three patients ultimately required contralateral inflow procedures, 2 AXF, 1 IF (p = NS). Unilateral inflow operations achieve reasonable patency and good limb salvage rates. Shorter length reconstructions were utilized preferentially when contralateral disease was not severe, but despite greater age, comorbidity, and occlusive disease, axillounifemoral bypass results were not inferior to more direct reconstructions.

Crossover iliofemoral bypass grafting for treatment of unilateral iliac atherosclerotic disease

Purpose: In patients with unilateral iliac disease, a less invasive procedure than aortobifemoral bypass grafting may be desirable, especially in poor-risk patients or when sexual dysfunction is feared. In these cases, femorofemoral (FF) bypass grafting is often proposed. Compared with FF bypass grafting, iliofemoral (IF) bypass grafting avoids bilateral exposure of the groins, which may reduce the risk of infection. When the primitive iliac artery is occluded from its origin or heavily calcified, one may use the contralateral artery as inflow, after a small retroperitoneal exposure, to perform a crossover iliofemoral (CIF) bypass grafting procedure, through the Retzius space. Our 10-year experience with CIF bypass grafting in a select group of patients was studied. Methods: Between 1986 and 1996, 36 patients underwent CIF bypass grafting for symptomatic unilateral iliac occlusion or stenosis. All patients were examined by means of Doppler ultrasound scanning and underwent bilateral multiplane angiography. Patients were considered for this procedure when the ipsilateral common iliac artery was occluded from its origin or was diffusely and heavily calcified. The decision to perform a CIF bypass grafting procedure was made when no significant disease of the contralateral common iliac artery was seen, and patients who had features of contralateral iliac disease were excluded. The main outcomes were perioperative mortality and morbidity, long-term primary and secondary patency rates, and limb salvage rate. Results: The study included 31 men and five women, with a mean age of 58.8 years. Indications for bypass grafting were disabling claudication (26 of 36 patients, 72%) and limb-threatening ischemia (10 of 26 patients, 28%). Twelve procedures were performed simultaneously: endarterectomy of the recipient common femoral artery (n = 3), femoropopliteal bypass grafting (n = 4, 11.1%), profundoplasty (n = 4, 11%), and right internal carotid endarterectomy (n = 1). New postoperative erectile dysfunction did not develop in any of the patients. The survival rate was 97.3% at 1 year and 68.5% at 5 years. The primary and secondary patency rates were 94% and 100%, respectively, at 1 year and 76.7% and 95%, respectively, at 5 years. The limb salvage rate was 100% at 1 year and 87% at 3 years. Conclusion: The operative mortality associated with CIF is low. The long-term primary and secondary patency rates are satisfactory, and they are lower than those reported for aortobifemoral bypass grafting. This procedure does not preclude a later performance of an aortobifemoral bypass grafting procedure. CIF bypass grafting is not only suitable for poor-risk patients with a limited life expectancy who have the appropriate arterial anatomy, but also may be warranted for young patients in whom erectile dysfunction is feared. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:693-700.)

A Giant Isolated External Iliac Artery Aneurysm Causing Hydronephrosis and Lower Extremity Weakness

A 75-year-old man was admitted with left lower limb weakness with findings of left isolated external iliac artery aneurysm and left hydronephrosis. Doppler ultrasound and contrasted computed tomography scan demonstrated a large 18 cm iliac artery aneurysm. Endoaneurysmorrhaphy and iliofemoral bypass were performed. The patient was well and discharged 2 weeks after operation. The incidence, natural history, and management of isolated iliac artery aneurysms are discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Plexopatía lumbosacra como forma de presentación de un aneurisma de la arteria ilíaca

The etiology of lumbosacral plexopathy is often due to compression. One of the less common causes of this is aneurysm of the iliac artery. However, 13% of the patients with this disorder initially have symptoms of plexus irritation or deficit. We describe the case of a 42 year-old-man, with no previous medical history, who complained of right-sided sciatica for the previous three months. On examination there were clinical signs of a lesion of the right lumbosacral plexus. On CT of the pelvis and MR of the lumbar spine there were images compatible with an aneurysm of the right iliac artery. This diagnosis was confirmed on arteriography. Treatment was surgical (aneurysmography and right iliofemoral by-pass). The pain disappeared and the motor deficit improved considerably. When a patient presents with lumbosacral plexopathy, an iliac aneurysm should be considered as a possible etiological factor. In such cases early diagnosis is essential, since surgical treatment will usually resolve the clinical problem.

An optimal inflow procedure for multi-segmental occlusive arterial disease: ilio-femoral versus aorto-bifemoral bypass

Treatment of chronic critical limb ischemia still remains one of the most serious problems of vascular surgery. Most often, chronic critical limb ischemia is caused by multi-segmental disease of arterial tree, involving both the aorto-femoral and infrainguinal vessels. In the majority of these cases, proper correction of aorto-iliac arteries is sufficient to restore the circulation in lower limbs. However, in 10–15% it is necessary to perform multi-segmental reconstructions. In these cases it is extremely important to choose the optimal inflow procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare perioperative and long-term results of multi-segmental reconstructions, using aorto-bifemoral, unilateral ilio-femoral, and extra-anatomical bypass as inflow procedures. During the 10-year period (1984–1994), 4074 aorto-femoral reconstructions were performed for treatment of occlusive arterial disease. In 449 cases (11%), multi-segmental aorto-femoro-poplteal/tibial reconstructions were undertaken. Aorto-bifemoral bypasses was performed in 131, unilateral ilio-femoral bypasses in 288, and extra-anatomical bypasses in 30 cases. In 221 cases, the operations were performed in one stage, and in 228 cases a two-stage procedure took place. Postoperative mortality was 3.8% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 1.3% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 3,3% in the extra-anatomical group. Primary inflow graft patency rate after 12 months was 94.7% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 94.1% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 80% in the extra-anatomical group. Secondary inflow graft patency rate was 97.8% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 96.2% in unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 96.7% in extra-anatomical group. The 5-year primary and secondary graft patency rates were 90.9% and 94.7% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 88.5% and 93.4% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 66.7% and 77.3% in the extra-anatomical group, respectively. Conclusion: Unilateral ilio-femoral bypass as an inflow procedure for treatment of multilevel occlusive arterial disease is as effective as aorto-bifemoral bypass, with lower perioperative mortality and morbidity rates. Extra-anatomical bypasses are, however, less effective.

An Optimal Inflow Procedure for Multi-Segmental Occlusive Arterial Disease: Ilio-Femoral versus Aorto-Bifemoral Bypass

Treatment of chronic critical limb ischemia still remains one of the most serious problems of vascular surgery. Most often, chronic critical limb ischemia is caused by multi-segmental disease of arterial tree, involving both the aorto-femoral and infrainguinal vessels. In the majority of these cases, proper correction of aortoiliac arteries is sufficient to restore the circulation in lower limbs. However, in 10–15% it is necessary to perform multi-segmental reconstructions. In these cases it is extremely important to choose the optimal inflow procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare perioperative and long-term results of multi-segmental reconstructions, using aorto-bifemoral, unilateral ilio-femoral, and extra-anatomical bypass as inflow procedures. During the 10-year period (1984–1994), 4074 aorto-femoral reconstructions were performed for treatment of occlusive arterial disease. In 449 cases (11%), multi-segmental aorto-femoro-poplteal/tibial reconstructions were undertaken. Aorto-bifemoral bypasses was performed in 131, unilateral ilio-femoral bypasses in 288, and extra-anatomical bypasses in 30 cases. In 221 cases, the operations were performed in one stage, and in 228 cases a two-stage procedure took place. Postoperative mortality was 3.8% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 1.3% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 3,3% in the extra-anatomical group. Primary inflow graft patency rate after 12 months was 94.7% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 94.1% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 80% in the extra-anatomical group. Secondary inflow graft patency rate was 97.8% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 96.2% in unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 96.7% in extra-anatomical group. The 5-year primary and secondary graft patency rates were 90.9% and 94.7% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 88.5% and 93.4% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 66.7% and 77.3% in the extra-anatomical group, respectively. Conclusion: Unilateral ilio-femoral bypass as an inflow procedure for treatment of multilevel occlusive arterial disease is as effective as aorto-bifemoral bypass, with lower perioperative mortality and morbidity rates. Extra-anatomical bypasses are, however, less effective.

Aortomonoiliac Endovascular Grafting: Difficult Solutions to Difficult Aneurysms

Purpose: To describe a refined technique for aortomonoiliac endograft exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: A tapered aortomonoiliac graft was prepared from an 8-mm thin-walled expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft predilated proximally to 35 mm and tapered distally to 15 mm. The proximal graft was sutured to a 5-cm-long, predilated Palmaz stent, which was mounted on a 30-mm balloon and backloaded into a 21F packaging sheath. With the patient under general anesthesia and both common femoral arteries exposed, the endograft was anchored in the infrarenal aorta and subsequently passed into one iliac system, where it was anastomosed to the iliac or femoral vessels. The contralateral common iliac artery was occluded, and an extra-anatomic, femorofemoral, or iliofemoral bypass grafting was performed. Results: Twenty of the 25 AAAs treated to date with this technique have been successful, with aneurysm exclusion achieved in 18 (2 minor distal endoleaks are scheduled for endovascular repair). The technical failures were analyzed, resulting in enhancements to the technique. Complications included 2 early (< 30 days) deaths, 1 case of minor embolization, 1 transient renal failure, 1 pulmonary embolus, and 1 wound infection. The only late complication was a graft infection localized to the groin. Conclusions: Aortomonoiliac endovascular aneurysm repair is effective in patients with AAAs involving the iliac arteries. Short-term results are acceptable, but long-term efficacy must be addressed before this procedure is widely adopted. Technical changes made in response to early learning curve problems have led to a safer, more reliable procedure.

Aortomonoiliac endovascular grafting: difficult solutions to difficult aneurysms.

To describe a refined technique for aortomonoiliac endograft exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). A tapered aortomonoiliac graft was prepared from an 8-mm thin-walled expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft predilated proximally to 35 mm and tapered distally to 15 mm. The proximal graft was sutured to a 5-cm-long, predilated Palmaz stent, which was mounted on a 30-mm balloon and backloaded into a 21F packaging sheath. With the patient under general anesthesia and both common femoral arteries exposed, the endograft was anchored in the infrarenal aorta and subsequently passed into one iliac system, where it was anastomosed to the iliac or femoral vessels. The contralateral common iliac artery was occluded, and an extra-anatomic, femorofemoral, or iliofemoral bypass grafting was performed. Twenty of the 25 AAAs treated to date with this technique have been successful, with aneurysm exclusion achieved in 18 (2 minor distal endoleaks are scheduled for endovascular repair). The technical failures were analyzed, resulting in enhancements to the technique. Complications included 2 early (< 30 days) deaths, 1 case of minor embolization, 1 transient renal failure, 1 pulmonary embolus, and 1 wound infection. The only late complication was a graft infection localized to the groin. Aortomonoiliac endovascular aneurysm repair is effective in patients with AAAs involving the iliac arteries. Short-term results are acceptable, but long-term efficacy must be addressed before this procedure is widely adopted. Technical changes made in response to early learning curve problems have led to a safer, more reliable procedure.

Stent-Graft Repair of Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease Coexisting with Common Femoral Artery Disease

Significant disease or occlusion of the common femoral artery may preclude percutaneous therapy for aorto-iliac occlusive disease. In addition, aorto-iliac angioplasty may not reverse the ischemic symptoms when common femoral artery disease exists. The authors describe the feasibility of endoluminal stent-grafts to treat multilevel aortoiliofemoral occlusive disease. The authors placed 18 stent-grafts for aorto-iliac occlusive disease in 17 patients with limb-threatening ischemia and significant common femoral artery disease. These procedures were performed as a joint effort between vascular surgery and interventional radiology staff in the operating room. The common femoral artery was occluded in 10 or severely diseased in eight, necessitating endoluminal bypass to the superficial femoral or popliteal artery (n = 7) or to the deep femoral artery (n = 7), or necessitating patch angioplasty of the common femoral artery (n = 4). Stent-grafts were fabricated from 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene and 29-mm Palmaz stents. All 18 grafts were placed successfully. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 38 months (mean, 21 months). Seven patients died of myocardial infarction; two grafts occluded and one required angioplasty during follow-up, resulting in a primary patency rate of 81% at 2 years. Endoluminal stent-graft placement is a useful method of treatment for advanced atherosclerotic aorto-iliac disease, particularly in the presence of common femoral artery disease. This approach avoids an extra-anatomic bypass or a major transabdominal aortic bypass procedure. Longer follow-up with a larger series is needed to ensure the safety and late graft patency comparable to the traditional aortofemoral and iliofemoral bypass grafts.

Combined semiclosed iliac endarterectomy and distal arterial reconstruction for multilevel arterial disease

Semiclosed iliac endarterectomy in combination with an infrainguinal vascular reconstruction has been used over the past decade in the treatment of lower-limb ischaemia. Although the early results of this combination of operations were known, the durability of the external iliac endarterectomy had not been assessed and so an effort was made to review all surviving patients by duplex scanning. Between 1985 and 1993, 48 patients (51 limbs) underwent combined semiclosed iliac endarterectomy and infrainguinal vascular reconstruction for iliac and femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Some 49% of operations were performed for limb salvage. An iliofemoral bypass graft was required twice because of failure of the endarterectomy. A variety of distal arterial reconstructions was employed. One patient required a major amputation and there were two deaths. Mean (s.d.) ankle/brachial indices (ABI) rose from 0.54 (0.14) to 0.85 (0.25) after surgery. Some 85% of the patients who underwent operation for claudication became symptom free; 83% of patients who underwent operation for limb-threatening ischaemia became symptom free or improved to mild claudication during an average of 29 months follow-up. During the follow-up period five patients underwent a further procedure because of restenoses of the external iliac artery. A duplex scanning study was performed in 22 of the 51 limbs an average of 36 months after surgery. External iliac artery stenotic lesions were found in the area of the endarterectomy in three patients. Endarterectomy of the external iliac artery from the groin is an alternative for some patients with iliac arterial disease. In a patient scheduled for an infrainguinal bypass, when an unexpectedly greater degree of athermoma is found at operation in the common femoral and external iliac arteries, this operation may be performed. The durability of the operation as assessed by follow-up duplex scan is quite acceptable.

Combined Semiclosed Iliac Endarterectomy and Distal Arterial Reconstruction for Multilevel Arterial Disease

Semiclosed iliac endarterectomy in combination with an infrainguinal vascular reconstruction has been used over the past decade in the treatment of lower-limb ischaemia. Although the early results of this combination of operations were known, the durability of the external iliac endarterectomy had not been assessed and so an effort was made to review all surviving patients by duplex scanning. Between 1985 and 1993, 48 patients (51 limbs) underwent combined semiclosed iliac endarterectomy and infrainguinal vascular reconstruction for iliac and femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Some 49% of operations were performed for limb salvage. An iliofemoral bypass graft was required twice because of failure of the endarterectomy. A variety of distal arterial reconstructions was employed. One patient required a major amputation and there were two deaths. Mean (s.d.) ankle/brachial indices (ABI) rose from 0.54 (0.14) to 0.85 (0.25) after surgery. Some 85% of the patients who underwent operation for claudication became symptom free; 83% of patients who underwent operation for limb-threatening ischaemia became symptom free or improved to mild claudication during an average of 29 months follow-up. During the follow-up period five patients underwent a further procedure because of restenoses of the external iliac artery. A duplex scanning study was performed in 22 of the 51 limbs an average of 36 months after surgery. External iliac artery stenotic lesions were found in the area of the endarterectomy in three patients. Endarterectomy of the external iliac artery from the groin is an alternative for some patients with iliac arterial disease. In a patient scheduled for an infrainguinal bypass, when an unexpectedly greater degree of athermoma is found at operation in the common femoral and external iliac arteries, this operation may be performed. The durability of the operation as assessed by follow-up duplex scan is quite acceptable. Copyright © 1996 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Aorto-femoral versus ilio-femoral bypass as an inflow procedure in multisegmental reconstructions for chronic critical limb ischemia) CCLI

Aorto-femoral versus ilio-femoral bypass as an inflow procedure in multisegmental reconstructions for chronic critical limb ischemia) CCLI

Infected Lower Extremity Extra-Anatomic Bypass Grafts: Management of a Serious Complication in High-Risk Patients

To determine optimal management and outcome of infected extra-anatomic bypass grafts (EABG), we reviewed 28 patients (19 men and 9 women; mean age 70 years) treated over a 13-year period. Mean follow-up was 42 months. There were 16 axillofemoral (AF), 10 femorofemoral (FF), and two axillopopliteal (AP) grafts. Risk factors included previous prosthetic graft infection in 13 patients, enterocutaneous fistula in two, and mycotic aortic aneurysm in one. Initial management involved complete graft excision in 12 patients, partial graft excision in 10, and nonresectional therapy in six. Failure of nonresectional therapy and partial excision in three patients each required further operative intervention with graft excision. Reconstruction in patients eventually requiring graft excision (n = 25) entailed placement of a new prosthetic AF or AP graft in eight, an autogenous FF graft in five, combined prosthetic AF and autogenous FF bypass in two, autogenous iliofemoral bypass in one, obturator bypass in one, or no reconstruction in eight. Four autogenous FF reconstructions thrombosed immediately postoperatively, and three prosthetic reconstructions became infected. The mortality rate was 18% (FF = 20%, AF = 19%, AP = 0%). The amputation rate was 25% (AP = 100%, AF = 25%, FF = 10%) and was higher without arterial reconstruction (56% vs. 12%, p = 0.02). Two patients required hemipelvectomies and one had bilateral hip disarticulation. We conclude that EABG infections can be successfully treated but carry significant morbidity and mortality. Optimal management includes EABG resection and prompt revascularization, bearing in mind the risk of early thrombosis in autogenous grafts and reinfection in prosthetic grafts.

Iliofemoral Bypass: A 10-Year Review

Iliofemoral bypass is available to patients with unilateral iliac occlusive disease. Experience with iliofemoral bypass in terms of graft patency and patient outcome is reviewed. From January 1981 to February 1991, iliofemoral grafts were placed in 19 patients. Of these, 16 had medical records available for review; all were men and the mean age was 65 (range 46-72) years. Risk factors associated with peripheral vascular disease included tobacco use (16 patients), hypertension (ten), coronary artery disease (seven) and diabetes mellitus (four). Six patients had undergone previous peripheral vascular procedures. Angiography revealed an ipsilateral iliac artery suitable for bypass. Indications for operation included claudication (five patients), rest pain (six) and non-healing ulcer or gangrene (five). Ten bypasses were placed on the left and six on the right. The mean(s.d.) ankle:brachial pressure index before operation was 0.39(0.24): 0.55(0.19) in patients with claudication and 0.29(0.22) in those treated for threat of limb loss. After surgery patients with claudication demonstrated improvement of this index to a mean(s.d.) of 0.83(0.24); in those with threat of limb loss it improved to 0.60(0.16). One wound infection resolved with antibiotic therapy alone. Two patients had early (< 30 days) graft failure leading to amputation and subsequent perioperative death. Three other grafts failed, one each at 8, 9 and 13 months. All five grafts failed in patients with preoperative threat of limb loss. The cumulative patency rate was 72% at 1 year and 64% at 2-5 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Doppler color flow images of iliofemoral graft end-to-side distal anastomotic models

Hemodynamics within the distal anastomoses of iliofemoral bypass grafts were simulated using Plexiglas models (2.5 cm ID) within a pulsatile flow loop system (Re(mean) = 92, Re(peak) = 459 and alpha = 3.56). End-to-side distal anastomoses were constructed with angles of 30 degrees, 45 degrees and 60 degrees to bypass proximal artery segments with stenoses of 60% and 100% diameter reduction. Velocities were obtained over a two-dimensional field within the artery using an ultrasonic Doppler color flow imager operating at 5 MHz at positions from 1.5 diameters upstream to 3 diameters downstream of the anastomosis. Flow patterns downstream of an occlusion demonstrated definite skewing effects toward the outer wall with resultant flow separation along the inner wall. Presence of a partial (60% diameter reduction) arterial stenosis upstream of the anastomosis produced flow separation along both artery walls and a more symmetric profile downstream. Measurement of a separation area index (SAI) along each arterial wall demonstrated a minimum area exposed to low velocities for the 30 degrees anastomotic angle compared to the 45 degrees and 60 degrees anastomotic angles and for the occluded proximal artery cases compared to corresponding stenotic artery cases. The SAI values were minimal at peak systole compared to successive quarter cycle intervals. The findings of this study provide further information regarding the relationship between local fluid mechanics and predominant sites for intimal hyperplasia formation.

Iliofemoral versus femorofemoral bypass: The case for an individualized approach

The treatment of unilateral iliac occlusion remains controversial. We report our experience with femorofemoral bypass (FF) and iliofemoral bypass (IF). One hundred sixty-two FFs and 82 IFs were performed during a 25-year period. Demographic characteristics of the two groups were similar. Operative indications included claudication in 32.1% of FFs and 19.5% of IFs, rest pain in 26.5% of FFs and 36.6% of IFs, ulcer in 8.0% of FFs and 3.7% of IFs, gangrene 13.6% of FFs and 23.2% of IFs, and acute thrombosis in 13.0% of FFs and 3.7% of IFs. Five-year primary and secondary patency rates for all FFs were 56.9% and 65.4% respectively. Those for all IFs were 74.9% and 79.2%. The primary patency rate of FF performed for chronic arterial occlusive disease was 73.3% at 3 years and 60.4% at 5 years and for IF it was 73.4% at 3 years. In the absence of prior arterial surgery in the groin, the primary patency rates of bypasses for chronic arterial occlusive disease were 78.3% for FF and 86.8% for IF at 4 years. Distal endarterectomy and acute ischemia adversely affected patency. The operative mortality rate was 6.2% for FF and 3.7% for IF. Eleven wound complications occurred in the FF group. Seven patients underwent graft removal without limb loss. One minor wound problem occurred in the IF group. Iliofemoral bypass avoids operation on an asymptomatic limb; FF avoids entry in the abdomen or retroperitoneum and can be performed under local anesthesia. In patients in whom either IF or FF is applicable, the choice between these two procedures should be individualized with these factors in mind.

Iliofemoral versus femorofemoral bypass: The case for an individualized approach

Iliofemoral versus femorofemoral bypass: The case for an individualized approach

Unilateral Iliac Artery Occlusive Disease: A Randomized Multicenter Trial Examining Direct Revascularization Versus Crossover Bypass

This randomized trial compared the patency of direct unilateral aorto- or iliofemoral prosthetic bypass with that of crossover femorofemoral or iliofemoral bypass in unilateral atheromatous occlusive disease of the iliac artery. Between May 1986 and March 1991, 143 patients were enrolled in this study (74 crossover and 69 direct revascularizations). Cardiovascular risk factors, preoperative symptoms, and atheromatous lesions were similar in both groups. Patients were followed by Duplex scanning with systolic pressure index measurements. Routine digital subtraction arteriograms were obtained postoperatively and separately, when hemodynamic anomalies developed. Mean follow-up was 22 months. One patient with direct revascularization died postoperatively. Primary patency of direct revascularizations was 89.8% at 48 months compared with 52% for crossover bypass. This difference was statistically significant. Secondary patency of direct and crossover revascularization at 48 months was 92.9% and 93.6%, respectively (not significant). Even though crossover bypasses seem attractive because of their technical simplicity and low morbidity, our results suggest that direct revascularizations are preferable in the young patient with no major operative risks, while crossover bypasses remain indicated in patients at risk.