[Long-term results following surgical revascularization with autologous vein in an amputation-jeopardized leg]

The autologous vein bypass is the graft material of choice in the treatment of lower extremity ischemia. Since 1982 we have inserted a femoro-popliteal or femoro-distal vein bypass to avert a threat to a lower limb (clinical stage III or IV) in 88 patients. In the follow-up of one to maximum 60 months, 36 patients died. Five grafts occluded. Five legs had to be amputated, 3 after failed reconstruction and 2 in spite of functioning bypass. The cumulative 5-year patency amounted to 93% (life-table analysis). In the vast majority autologous vein bypass graft can avert the imminent threat of amputation.