Popliteal-to-distal bypass grafts for limb salvage

From July 1989 to July 1994, a total of 44 popliteal-to-distal artery bypasses were performed in 36 patients (29 men and seven women, mean age 62 +/- 10 years). These procedures accounted for 8.8% of all infrainguinal revascularizations performed during that period. Risk factors included diabetes in 33 patients (92%), smoking in 18 (50%), and coronary artery disease in 15 (42%). Prior to revascularization all patients were at risk of limb loss. Tissue necrosis was present in 31 cases (71%), ulceration in eight cases (18%), and rest pain in five cases (11%). Patency of the femoral and popliteal arteries was confirmed prior to surgery in all cases. Intraoperative percutaneous angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery was performed in three cases. Proximal anastomosis was made to the distal popliteal artery in all cases. A total of 52 distal anastomoses (eight sequential bypasses) were made on the following arteries: posterior tibial artery in 13 cases, anterior tibial artery in eight cases, peroneal artery in six cases, plantar artery in two cases, and dorsalis pedis artery in 21 cases. The greater saphenous vein was used as graft material in 42 cases (95%) and the lesser saphenous vein in two cases (5%). No patient died during hospitalization. Early bypass occlusion occurred in three cases (6.8%) and led to amputation in all cases. Secondary patency and limb salvage rates at 3 years calculated using the actuarial method were 74% and 82% respectively. Bypass thrombosis due to superficial femoral artery deterioration was not observed in any case. The present study indicates that popliteal-to-distal artery bypass is a simple, durable, and low-risk method of lower limb revascularization. Medium-term results are promising and support routine use of popliteal-to-distal artery bypass for limb salvage in patients without significant stenosis of the superficial femoral artery.