Embolic and occlusive complications from thrombosed femorofemoral grafts.

Five episodes of acute arterial occlusions associated with thrombosed femorofemoral grafts are reported. Four of these occlusions were directly associated with trauma to the graft and were thought to be embolic. All patients had thrombus extending from the thrombosed graft into the femoral artery, threatening the survival of the lower extremity. We recommend that when a graft thrombectomy is not performed, or is not successful, the thrombosed femorofemoral graft should be detached or excised as prophylaxis against embolic and occlusive complications.