Vascular reconstruction utilizing artery from an amputated extremity: A case report

Although infrainguinal arterial reconstruction is best performed with autologous tissue, reconstruction with vein in an infected field has been associated with vein graft disruption and hemorrhage. H.P., a 61-year-old man with peripheral vascular disease, was initially seen with an infected prosthetic right femoral-tibioperoneal artery bypass graft. Because of the presence of purulent drainage from the proximal and distal anastomotic regions and his comorbidities, a right through-knee guillotine amputation was performed, followed by graft excision and groin débridement. Right hip and thigh perfusion was preserved via arterial reconstruction by using a segment of endarterectomized popliteal artery, harvested from the amputated extremity. Arterial reconstruction with autologous tissue from an amputated extremity allowed us to balance our patient's overall risks with life and tissue preservation. This technique may be applied in the settings of lower extremity ischemia, trauma, or malignancy requiring concomitant arterial or venous reconstruction.