The patient's perspectives after aortofemoral grafting for occlusive disease

The late results of aortofemoral grafting for aortoiliac occlusive disease in 371 patients are presented. Late survival (30% after 15 years) was primarily dependent on age at the time of surgery and the presence of atherosclerotic heart disease on subinguinal atherosclerotic involvement. The majority of late deaths (42%) was due to atherosclerotic disease. With a mean follow-up period of 7 years the late complication rate was 29%. Late thrombosis was responsible for 66% of the late complications and a subsequent redo-operation was necessary in 24% of the patients. Age at the time of surgery and the presence of femoropopliteal occlusive disease were the most important factors. Regarding the late mortality rate of 45%, it is recommended that follow-up in these patients should be directed not only to late graft complications but also to other manifestations of generalized atherosclerosis.