Management of aortic bypass graft thrombosis: utility of thrombectomy

The condition of many patients with early or late thrombosis after an aortic bypass operation can be improved by appropriate secondary operations. Late thromboses generally occur in patients with impaired arterial outflow. Restoration or establishment of good outflow is the most critical part of most secondary operations. Thrombectomy is an expedient procedure and, if properly monitored by arteriography, can in many instances permit retention of the graft limb as a satisfactory conduit, particularly in emergency limb salvage attempts.