[Extra-anatomic ilio- or femoro-femoral bypass]

Twenty-six extra-anatomical by pass operations were performed for iliofemoral arterial lesions (23 crossed, 3 homolateral) due to severe atheroma (22 cases), infection (the 3 homolateral shunt) or iliac aneurysm (1 case). Limb saving was obtained in 73% of patients in whom vitality of limbs was involved. Permeability for crossed by pass procedure was as high as 92% at 1 year follow up. Operative techniques are discussed with emphasis on the need for good iliac artery flow and a sufficient distal vascular bed on the donor side. Indications for operation in this series were mainly poor general condition and/or associated affections (coronary disease in 1 out of 2 cases), but they should be enlarged because of the relative simplicity of the procedure.