Salvage of a severely ischemic limb by arteriovenous revascularization: a case report

Severe ischemia in a limb that cannot be revascularized almost inevitably leads to gangrene and eventual amputation. For decades, surgeons have considered utilizing the venous system to revascularize ischemic tissue in numerous areas, including the lower limb, but with very limited success. This report documents the successful revascularization of a severely ischemic pregangrenous limb with a bypass graft from the femoral artery to a tibial vein. The authors believe this is the first clinical report of salvage of an ischemic limb by this approach.