Cross over ileo-popliteal bypass through the obturator foramen: an additional route for extra-anatomic limb blood...

Complications and morbidity associated with vascular graft infections continue to be a major clinical problem. Ischemia and gangrene are consequences of limb circulation failure, especially in extra-anatomic, occluded and infected bypass prostheses. Infection of the tissue bed of such prostheses should be prevented. When it occurs, the use of the contralateral obturator foramen represents an alternative route in cases in which it is impossible to use the ipsilateral vessels. Prosthetic crossover reconstruction through the obturator foramen may be considered a safe and effective solution for patients with a limb threatening infection of the extra-anatomic graft and a damaged blood supply.