Endovascular-assisted versus conventional in situ saphenous vein bypass grafting: Cumulative patency, limb salvage, and cost results in a 39-month multicenter study

Abstract Objective: In this retrospective multicenter study, the results of a minimally invasive method of endovascular-assisted in situ bypass grafting (EISB) versus "open" conventional in situ bypass grafting (CISB) were evaluated with a comparison of primary and secondary patency, limb salvage, and cost. Methods: Enrolled in this study were 273 patients: 117 underwent CISB (42 femoropopliteal, 75 femorocrural) and 156 underwent EISB (41 femoropopliteal, 115 femorocrural). EISB was performed with an angioscopic Side Branch Occlusion system and an angioscopically guided valvulotome. All the patients underwent follow-up examination with serial color-flow ultrasound scanning. Results: Both groups had similar comorbid risk factors for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery heart disease, hypertension, and cigarette smoking. The primary patency rates (CISB, 78.2% ± 5% [SE]; EISB, 70.5% ± 5%; P = .156), the secondary patency rates (CISB, 84.1% ± 4%; EISB, 82.9% ± 5%; P = .26), and the limb salvage rates (CISB, 85.8%; EISB, 88.4%; P = .127) were statistically similar, with a follow-up period that extended to 39 months (mean, 16.6 months; range, 1 to 40 months). In veins that were less than 2.5 to 3.0 mm in diameter, the EISB grafts fared poorly, with an increased incidence of early (12-month) graft thromboses (CISB, 10 grafts, 8.5%; EISB, 24 grafts, 15.3%). However, wound complications (CISB, 23%; EISB, 4%; P = .003), mean hospital length of stay (CISB, 6.5 days ± 4.83; EISB, 3.2 days ± 3.19; P = .001), and mean hospital charges (CISB, $25,349 ± $19,476; EISB, $18,096 ± $14,573; P = .001) were all significantly reduced in the EISB group. Conclusion: The CISB and EISB midterm primary and secondary patency and limb salvage rates were statistically similar. In smaller veins (