Long-Term Outcomes of Femorofemoral Crossover Bypass Versus Endovascular Revascularization in Iliac Artery

Edin Ahmic1,2, Paul Swatek1, Iurii Mykoliuk1

  • 1Division of Thoracic and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria.

PubMed

Insights

Endovascular treatment (ET) is preferred for iliac artery occlusions due to shorter recovery and fewer complications, while femorofemoral crossover bypass (FCOB) offers durable outcomes for complex cases.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Medical Technology Assessment

Background:

  • Iliac artery occlusions pose significant challenges in peripheral artery disease management.
  • Surgical bypass and endovascular techniques are primary treatment modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare long-term outcomes of femorofemoral crossover bypass (FCOB) versus endovascular treatment (ET) for iliac artery occlusions.
  • To evaluate patency, limb salvage, survival, and complication rates for both procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 200 patients with iliac artery lesions treated with FCOB (n=82) or ET (n=118).
  • Assessment of primary patency, primary assisted patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival rates.
  • Evaluation of complications including wound infections, restenosis, and reocclusion over a median follow-up of 4.98 years.

Main Results:

  • ET showed higher 3-year primary patency (88% vs. 80%) and comparable secondary patency (98% vs. 97%).
  • Both methods achieved 8-year limb salvage (94%), but ET had shorter hospital stays and fewer perioperative complications.
  • FCOB had lower restenosis rates (6.1% vs. 20.39%) but higher reocclusion rates (19.5% vs. 6.8%). 8-year survival was 67% for ET and 54% for FCOB.

Conclusions:

  • Endovascular treatment is recommended as the first-line approach for iliac artery occlusions due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced complications.
  • Femorofemoral crossover bypass remains a crucial option for complex lesions or when ET is contraindicated, providing durable results.
  • Optimal treatment selection requires careful consideration of patient-specific factors, including clinical and anatomical characteristics.