Durability of the dorsalis pedis artery reconstruction in diabetics and nondiabetics: is there a difference?

Originally thought to be a disadvantaged outflow source, the dorsalis pedis artery is associated with excellent patency and limb salvage in the diabetic population. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the dorsalis pedis artery is as durable in nonbiabetics as in their diabetic counterparts. During a 21-year period from 1979 to 1999, 299 long lower limb bypasses to the dorsalis pedis artery were performed at our institution. Patient data and outcomes were reviewed from the vascular registry. Statistical analysis and patency rates were compared using chi-squared and log-rank analysis. This study confirms that the dorsalis pedis can be used as an outflow source with durability that is comparable in both diabetics and nondiabetics. No significant difference exists in morbidity, mortality and patency rates. In the nondiabetic, when the dorsalis pedis is the only patent distal vessel, amputation can be avoided if one considers this a suitable option as an outflow source.