[Arterial "crossover" reconstruction in ischemic disease of the lower extremities]

The authors present a group of 20 patients where in the course of a 15-year period (1978-1992) a crossover bypass was made to save a lower extremity with advanced ischaemia. Based on their own experience which they compare with results of physicians abroad they submit an analysis of indications for this type of extra-anatomical reconstruction. In the authors' opinion crossover bypasses have their place in reconstruction surgery of the arteries of the lower extremities if they are perceived as extra-anatomical reconstructions and thus are subjects to strict criteria for indication.