Life expectancy following aortofemoral arterial grafting.

The existence of symptomatic aortoiliofemoral occlusive vascular disease would appear to result in approximately a 10 year decrease in life expectancy compared to that of the "normal" population. However, a significant proportion of the cumulative mortality rate appears to be due to both coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, as patients with peripheral vascular disease had a near "normal" life expectancy in the absence of either coronary artery disease or diabetes mellitus. Neither the presence nor the anatomical location of occlusive disease distal to the comon femoral bifurication by itself decreased life expectancy compared to those patients with aortoliofemoral disease but without similar distal occusive disease. Low operative mortality rate, excellent long-term patency, and potentially "normal" life expectancy all encourage an aggressive operative approach in patients with symptoms of peripheral vascular disease but without either diabetes mellitus or coronary artery disease. Revascularization in those patients with diabetes mellitus should be directed at limb salvage rather than at relief of minor symptoms of ischemia.