[Femoro-popliteal endarterectomy using a pneumatic oscillator]

In patients with severe ischaemia from femoro-popliteal thrombosis, but without suitable vein for bypass, a synthetic or bioprosthesis is usually installed. This is a costly method giving statistically mediocre results. An alternative method is femoro-popliteal endarterectomy performed with rings that are made to oscillate by a pneumatic motor. The procedure requires 3 arteriotomies: one at each end and one in-between to insert rings of a different caliber. Arteriography is mandatory at the end of the operation. This type of endarterectomy is feasible only when blood flow is adequate upstreams, when the femoro-popliteal axis is not calcified and when at least one artery of the leg remains patent. The method is less expensive, and its early results apparently better than those of prostheses extending beyond the knee.