Effect of reconstructive surgery on the blood flow in the extremities. Early and late results

The effect of vascular reconstruction on limb blood flow was studied in 20 patients with arterial disease in the lower extremity. Blood flow was determined with isotope dilution technique, ankle systolic pressure was estimated with the aid of Doppler ultrasounds. Circulation was studied prior to the operation (i); immediately afterwards (ii); 2-4 months later (iii); and 12-20 months later (iv). In obliterative limb arterial disease blood flow had remarkably slowed down with high vascular resistance in the limb. After surgery blood flow reached almost normal level and vascular resistance in the extremity also decreased to normal. Both the O2 uptake by the extremital tissues and systolic perfusion pressure in the ankle increased after the operation. At a later phase of the postoperative period blood flow in the limb slightly decreased but even after a year it was greatly improved and vascular resistance was much less as compared to the state before reconstructive vascular surgery.