Extra-anatomic bypass of the abdominal aorta: management of postoperative thrombosis

Extra-anatomic bypass of the abdominal aorta was performed in 25 patients too ill to undergo abdominal operation (Group I) and in 22 patients with graft sepsis or hemorrhage (Group II). The graft patency rate determined by life table analysis in Group I patients was 83.5% at one year and 60% at two years. The graft patency rate for Group II patients of 47% at one year was significantly lower than the patency rate for Group I patients (p <.01). Thrombectomy was attempted in 11 of the 18 grafts that occluded postoperatively. Patency was re-established by this method in nine grafts (82%), failures resulted in amputation. Recurrent occlusion of three thrombectomized grafts was treated by multiple thrombectomies with cumulative patencies up to 44.5 months. Thrombectomy was not attempted in seven occluded grafts. Two graft occlusions resulted in amputation of extremities. Contralateral axillofemoral grafts were performed in three of the patients, ipsilateral axillofemoral graft in one patient, and aortobifemoral graft in one patient. Thrombectomy is the treatment of choice for occluded extra-anatomic bypass grafts. It can be performed easily under local anesthesia. If unsuccessful, contralateral axillofemoral or femoro-femoral grafts are indicated to re-establish blood flow.