Outcomes with plantar bypass for limb-threatening ischemia

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Limb Salvage Procedures

Background:

• Severely diseased infrageniculate arteries, limited runoff, and tissue loss often lead to primary amputation in patients.
• Alternative revascularization strategies are crucial for limb salvage in complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the experience and outcomes of plantar artery revascularization in patients where other bypass options are not feasible.
• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and limb salvage potential of plantar artery bypass as an alternative to primary amputation.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection of patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass to the plantar artery over a 3-year period.
• Analysis of indications, patient demographics, length of stay, surgical outcomes, and bypass patency.

Main Results:

• Plantar artery bypass was identified as a safe and reasonable alternative to primary amputation.
• Excellent limb salvage rates were achieved, contingent upon maintaining bypass patency within the initial 30 postoperative days.

Conclusions:

• Plantar artery bypass is a valuable option for limb salvage in select patients with critical limb ischemia.
• Maintaining early postoperative bypass patency is critical for successful limb salvage outcomes.