[Arterial reconstructions spanning the knee joint]

Knee-joint crossing arterial repair is an alternative solution for patients whose extremities otherwise might have to be amputated. Indications are according to Fontaine for Stages III and IV. Specialised angiographic preparatory examination and knowledge of microsurgical techniques are required. Reference is made to peculiarities of surgical access routes, vascular substitute materials, and specific surgical techniques. The use of this approach to peripheral vascular repair appears to be justified against the background of international achievements and the authors' own results.