The use of far distal arterial bypass for limb salvage

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Podiatric Surgery

Background:

• Critical limb ischemia often necessitates distal arterial reconstructions.
• Ankle and foot arterial reconstructions are vital for limb salvage in patients with severe peripheral artery disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of distal arterial reconstructions to the ankle and foot for limb salvage.
• To assess graft patency rates and limb salvage success in a cohort of patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 34 distal arterial reconstructions in 33 patients.
• Life table analysis was used to calculate accumulated patency rates.
• Follow-up extended up to 4 years, including assessment of graft patency and limb salvage.

Main Results:

• Operative mortality rate was 9.09%.
• Six-month, 1-year, and 2-year accumulated patency rates were 85%, 86.7%, and 77.3%, respectively.
• Limb salvage was achieved in patients with both patent and occluded grafts (occlusion between 3-24 months).

Conclusions:

• Distal arterial reconstructions to the ankle and foot are effective for limb salvage.
• Successful limb salvage can be achieved even with graft occlusion within the first two years.
• These reconstructive procedures offer a viable option for patients with critical limb ischemia affecting the lower extremities.