Revascularization of the Femoral Artery by Femoro-Femoral Cross-Over By-Pass Utilizing PTFE-Grafts. Hemodynamic Changes During Follow-Up

From 1976 to 1981, 48 consecutive patients underwent femoro-femoral cross-over by-pass utilizing PTFE grafts. Indications were severe ischemia (69%) and claudication (31%). All were high-risk patients. Hemodynamic changes (ankle/brachial pressure index) and graft patency was studied during the first postop year.No operative mortality was noticed. Graft thrombosis occurred in 13 cases during follow-up. Successful thrombectomy was done in 7 cases. Graft patency was 80% after 5 years in claudicants and 81% in severe ischemia. The limb salvage rate was 70% at 6 years follow-up. The walking distance increased sig nificantly during the 1st year. There was a good correlation between angiografi cally determined run-off and the ankle/brachial pressure index. In claudicants distal pressure index increased significantly from 0.38 to 0.60, 3 months postop in recipient leg. The same was true in severe ischemia, from 0,10 to 0.48, 3 months postop. No steel phenomena were observed. This procedure is useful for revascula...