[Femoropopliteal bypass in arteriosclerosis]

Since Kunlin's report on femoropopliteal bypass operations, this procedure, with homologous vein or various prosthesis has been the principal treatment for serious arteriosclerosis in this anatomical area. During the years 1979-88 we performed 235 femoropopliteal bypasses. Reversed autologous vein was used in 60% and the distal anastomosis placed below the knee in 75%. Perioperative, 30 days mortality was 2.1%. 93% of the operations were successful. The overall five year patency rate was 50.6%, but with significantly better results with the distal anastomosis above the knee. There was no significant difference, however, between reversed homologous vein and human umbilical vein grafts in the below knee position. At present, the indications for femoropopliteal bypass are critical ischemia and seriously incapacitating claudication.