Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
The femorofemoral graft. Hemodynamic improvement and patency rate
Insights
Femorofemoral bypass surgery offers significant hemodynamic improvement in high-risk patients with iliac artery occlusion. This procedure demonstrates a satisfactory five-year cumulative patency rate, making it a viable alternative to major operations.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Unilateral iliac artery occlusion presents a significant challenge in high-risk patients.
- Femorofemoral bypass is a potential surgical solution, but its long-term efficacy requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the hemodynamic improvement following femorofemoral grafting.
- To determine the five-year cumulative patency rate of femorofemoral bypass in high-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 54 high-risk patients undergoing femorofemoral grafting for unilateral iliac artery occlusion.
- Ankle-brachial systolic pressure measurements were taken pre-operatively and at six-month intervals post-operatively.
- Clinical and objective improvements were monitored throughout the follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Early complications included two deaths and seven graft failures, leading to four amputations.
- The remaining 45 patients showed significant clinical and objective hemodynamic improvement.
- The five-year cumulative patency rate was 60%, with improved resting pressure index in both claudicant and severe ischemia groups.
Conclusions:
- Femorofemoral bypass provides substantial hemodynamic enhancement in high-risk patients with iliac artery occlusion.
- The procedure is a safe and effective alternative to more extensive surgeries, offering a satisfactory long-term patency rate.
Abstract:
We measured the hemodynamic improvement after femorofemoral grafting and determined the five-year cumulative patency rate in 54 consecutive high-risk patients with unilateral iliac artery occlusion who had femorofemoral grafts who were studied with ankle and brachial systolic pressure measurements before and after operation and at six-month intervals. There were two early deaths and seven early graft failures (less than 30 days) with four amputations (all operated on for rest pain). All of the remaining 45 patients' conditions improved clinically and objectively. The resting pressure index (mean +/- SD) in claudicants (n = 23) increased from 0.35 +/- 0.15 to 0.67 +/- 0.20; in patients with severe ischemia (n = 31) it increased from 0.25 +/- 0.15 to 0.50 +/- 0.20. During the follow-up period (six months to ten years), there were eight deaths and 12 late graft failures (greater than 30 days). The late cumulative patency rate was 60% at five years. Hemodynamic improvement parallels clinical success and for these high-risk patients, the femorofemoral bypass is a satisfactory alternative to a more major operation.
