Ankle Pressure Measurements Research Articles

The detection and sequelae of operative accidents complicating reconstructive arterial surgery

Summary<ul>o<li>1.Digit volume pulse and ankle pressure measurements were monitored during fifty-five reconstructive arterial procedures utilizing the mercury strain gauge plethysmograph. This technic provides an immediate sensitive record of changes in the distal circulation resulting from proximal arterial grafting or endarterectomy.</li><li>2.Complete arterial patency was demonstrated at the end of the operation in thirty-six cases (65.5 per cent).</li><li>3.In the remaining nineteen cases a complication was detected using the described technic. Of this group, arterial patency was shown in eleven at the time of discharge. Eight cases are considered failures due to an operative accident which was incompletely corrected. However, in no instance was there loss of limb viability.</li><li>4.Of the entire group, forty-seven cases (85.5 per cent) were found to have complete arterial patency at the time of hospital discharge.</li><li>5.All early graft failures resulted from accidents which occurred during the operative procedure.</li><li>6.A satisfactory result was assured when arterial patency was demonstrated down to and including at least one major artery of the popliteal trifurcation at the time of surgery.</li></ul>