Bypass flap reconstruction, a novel technique for distal revascularization: outcome of first 10 clinical cases

Combined distal venous bypass grafting and free flap transfer can achieve successful treatment of soft tissue defects due to advanced leg ischemia. However, this combined approach is a complex technique involving multiple anastomoses on the same arterial axis with an increased risk of thrombosis. To reduce this risk, we have proposed a new bypass-flap (BF) reconstruction technique using an arterial graft and a free flap supplied by a collateral branch of the graft. The purpose of this report is to document the outcome in the first 10 patients treated using the BF reconstruction technique. From 2002 to 2004, a total of 10 patients with a mean age of 67 years (range 55-78) were treated using a BF. All patients presented critical ischemia with soft tissue defects resulting in exposure of tendons and muscles on the foot or ankle. Distal anastomosis was made between the distal branch of the BF and the pedal artery in five cases, the posterior tibial artery or plantar artery in four cases, and the peroneal artery in one case. In six cases proximal anastomosis was performed between the leg artery and arterial autograft. In the remaining four cases proximal anastomosis required extension of the bypass using a venous graft. The mean duration of hospitalization was 25 days. During the postoperative period, one patient died due to stercoral peritonitis and one patient required major amputation due to unrelenting sepsis. Bypass occlusion was not observed. Mean follow-up was 24 months (range 14-36). No patient was lost to follow-up and no patient died after the first 30 postoperative days. Follow-up examinations including clinical assessment and Doppler ultrasound imaging were performed at 3 months and every 6 months thereafter. Findings demonstrated bypass patency and healing of the covered defect in all cases. Outcome in this initial series demonstrates the clinical feasibility of the new BF reconstruction technique, which allows revascularization and coverage of tissue defects using a one-piece anatomic unit.