J Kaczynski1, C P Gibbons. 1. Department of Vascular Surgery, ABM University Health Board, Morriston Hospital, Swansea SA6 6NL, United Kingdom. j.kaczynski@doctors.org.uk
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Prosthetic grafts are used for infra-inguinal bypass when autogenous veins, are inadequate but have poorer patency and greater risk of graft infection. We report the use of femoro-popliteal vein (FPV) for such cases. REPORT: FPV was used in 20 infra-inguinal bypasses (14 combined with other veins). 11 were primary and 9 secondary reconstructions, involving 13 femoro-tibial and 7 femoro-popliteal bypasses. Mean follow up was 78 months. At one year, limb salvage was 83%, primary patency 61%, primary assisted patency 73% and secondary patency 78%. CONCLUSION: FPV is an acceptable conduit for infra-inguinal bypass when other vein sources are inadequate.
INTRODUCTION: Prosthetic grafts are used for infra-inguinal bypass when autogenous veins, are inadequate but have poorer patency and greater risk of graft infection. We report the use of femoro-popliteal vein (FPV) for such cases. REPORT: FPV was used in 20 infra-inguinal bypasses (14 combined with other veins). 11 were primary and 9 secondary reconstructions, involving 13 femoro-tibial and 7 femoro-popliteal bypasses. Mean follow up was 78 months. At one year, limb salvage was 83%, primary patency 61%, primary assisted patency 73% and secondary patency 78%. CONCLUSION: FPV is an acceptable conduit for infra-inguinal bypass when other vein sources are inadequate.