Arterial reconstruction for distal disease of the lower extremities by the in situ vein graft technique.

From January 1st, 1975 to December 31st, 1979, 285 femoropopliteal and femorocrural bypasses have been performed in 260 patients. In 57% of all cases the operation was carried out for limb salvage. The first 100 in situ transplants were angiographically examined 2 years after the operation. 5 years after the operation all patients were examined clinically, angiologically and by ultra sound Doppler technique. The patency rate amounts to 84% after 2 years and 76% after 5 years. With a patency rate of 57% after 2 years and 38% after 5 years the results achieved in the revascularization of a single crural artery are much more unfavourable. The results may be compared with those demonstrated by other authors who use the in situ technique. Compared to the classical venous bypass, the in situ bypass comes off a little better after a five years period.