Lower-limb revascularization from the supracoeliac aorta through a transcrural approach

From October 1978 to December 1989, 51 patients underwent lower-limb revascularization from the supracoeliac aorta through a transcrural approach. Symptoms were related to lower-limb ischaemia in all patients: 20 had critical ischaemia (three with severe acute ischaemia) and 31 claudication. One patient had renal failure with hypertension and stenosis of the renal arteries associated with an infrarenal aneurysm induced by Takayasu's disease. Indications for exposure of the supracoeliac aorta were Takayasu's disease in two patients and atheroma in 34 (implantation of the graft on the supracoeliac aorta because of the status of the aortic wall (calcification, inflammation) in 25 and because antegrade revascularization of the visceral arteries was required in nine). In 15 patients repeat aortic surgery was performed; four of these had undergone three previous aortic approaches. The postoperative mortality rate at 30 days was 2%. There were four (8%) acute postoperative graft occlusions and four late occlusions, which occurred between 13 months and 6 years. Life-table analysis showed a 5-year primary patency rate(s.d.) of 83(10)% and a 5-year secondary patency rate(s.d.) of 88(8)%. There are few indications for the transcrural approach to the supracoeliac aorta. Nevertheless, this technique can prove useful in selected cases, for example in those with a calcified aorta, for repeat aortic surgery and for aortic thrombosis near the renal arteries. It is also useful when combined revascularization of the lower limb and right renal or hepatic artery is being considered.