Femorotibial bypass in the diabetic patient for salvage of the ischemic lower extremity.

Severe ischemia of the lower extremity in diabetic patients without runoff in the popliteal artery should not deter an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Femorotibial or femoroperoneal bypass can effect limb salvage and avoid primary amputation if distal small vessel patency can be demonstrated by arteriography.