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Present role of extraanatomic bypass graft procedures for aortoiliac occlusive disease

P Dé1, W Hepp

  • 1Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Standort Charlottenburg, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany.

Insights

Transverse femorofemoral bypass grafts show excellent long-term patency and low mortality, making them ideal for unilateral iliac artery occlusion. Axillofemoral bypass grafts are now rarely used due to lower patency and higher occlusion rates.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Surgical Outcomes
  • Graft Patency

Background:

  • Extra-anatomic bypass grafts, including axillofemoral and femorofemoral bypasses, have been used for high-risk patients.
  • Evaluating long-term results is crucial for understanding the current role of these procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term results and present role of axillofemoral and transverse femorofemoral bypass grafts.
  • To compare the outcomes of different extra-anatomic bypass techniques in high-risk patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective follow-up study of 173 extra-anatomic bypass operations (131 axillofemoral, 42 femorofemoral) in 150 high-risk patients between 1970 and 1989.
  • Analysis of operative mortality, graft patency rates at 5 and 10 years, and late mortality.

Main Results:

  • Femorofemoral bypass had lower elective operative mortality (2.4%) than axillofemoral bypass (5.3%).
  • Five-year cumulative patency rates were 86.82% for femorofemoral, 73.74% for axillo-bifemoral, and 43.18% for unilateral axillofemoral bypass.
  • Femorofemoral bypass patency remained stable at 10 years, while axillofemoral bypasses experienced significant occlusion rates.

Conclusions:

  • Transverse femorofemoral bypass is a preferred surgical option for unilateral iliac artery occlusion due to its excellent long-term results and low operative mortality.
  • Axillofemoral bypass has been largely replaced by anatomical procedures for bilateral occlusive disease in high-risk patients, with current indications limited to specific infection scenarios.

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