An optimal inflow procedure for multi-segmental occlusive arterial disease: ilio-femoral versus aorto-bifemoral bypass.

UNLABELLED: Treatment of chronic critical limb ischemia still remains one of the most serious problems of vascular surgery. Most often, chronic critical limb ischemia is caused by multi-segmental disease of arterial tree, involving both the aorto-femoral and infrainguinal vessels. In the majority of these cases, proper correction of aorto-iliac arteries is sufficient to restore the circulation in lower limbs. However, in 10-15% it is necessary to perform multi-segmental reconstructions. In these cases it is extremely important to choose the optimal inflow procedure. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare perioperative and long-term results of multi-segmental reconstructions, using aorto-bifemoral, unilateral ilio-femoral, and extra-anatomical bypass as inflow procedures. During the 10-year period (1984-1994), 4074 aorto-femoral reconstructions were performed for treatment of occlusive arterial disease. In 449 cases (11%), multi-segmental aorto-femoro-popliteal/tibial reconstructions were undertaken. Aorto-bifemoral bypasses was performed in 131, unilateral ilio-femoral bypasses in 288, and extra-anatomical bypasses in 30 cases. In 221 cases, the operations were performed in one stage, and in 228 cases a two-stage procedure took place. Postoperative mortality was 3.8% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 1.3% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 3.3% in the extra-anatomical group. Primary inflow graft patency rate after 12 months was 94.7% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 94.1% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 80% in the extra-anatomical group. Secondary inflow graft patency rate was 97.8% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 96.2% in unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 96.7% in extra-anatomical group. The 5-year primary and secondary graft patency rates were 90.9% and 94.7% in the aorto-bifemoral bypass group, 88.5% and 93.4% in the unilateral ilio-femoral group, and 66.7% and 77.3% in the extra-anatomical group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Unilateral ilio-femoral bypass as an inflow procedure for treatment of multilevel occlusive arterial disease is as effective as aorto-bifemoral bypass, with lower perioperative mortality and morbidity rates. Extra-anatomical bypasses are, however, less effective.

Re-do operations after failed multisegmental reconstructive arterial surgery for critical limb ischaemia.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term graft patency rates after multisegmental arterial reconstruction for treatment of chronic critical limb ischemia, and to evaluate the role of re-do surgery in treatment of graft failure. A total of 449 aortofemoropopliteal/tibial grafts carried out over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were operated upon with chronic critical limb ischemia grade III and IV according to the Fontaine classification; 221 operations were performed in one stage (group A), and 228 in two stages (group B). Distribution of graft failures in the postoperative period, re-do operations and their impact on limb salvage were investigated using life-table methods. During follow up, 62 cases of inflow graft thrombosis were observed (23 in group A and 39 in group B). To correct the inflow graft failure, 59 re-do procedures were performed (27 in group A, 32 in group B). Inflow graft failures were most common during 24 months after primary surgery. During the same period, 92 cases of isolated outflow graft thrombosis were observed (45 in group A and 47 in group B). Outflow graft thromboses were most common after 24-36 months. For treatment of recurrent symptoms caused by outflow graft thrombosis, 68 re-do operations were performed. The 5 year cumulative primary graft patency, secondary graft patency and limb salvage rates were 43.2%, 71.8% and 79.9% in group A, and 23.8%, 54% and 67.5% in group B respectively. In conclusion the long term primary graft patency rate after multisegmental aortofemoropopliteal/tibial reconstructive surgery is low and significantly lower, when compared with single segment reconstructions. Re-do operations have a positive impact on secondary long-term graft patency and limb salvage.

Sequential aortofemoropopliteal/distal bypass for treatment of critical lower-limb ischaemia.

Multilevel arterial occlusive disease is often the main cause of critical ischaemia of the lower limb. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic criteria that could help select patients for sequential aortofemoropopliteal/distal reconstruction and to compare the results after simultaneous and two-stage surgery. Some 1953 aortofemoral reconstructions were performed during a 6-year period (1987-1992). In 245 cases (12.5%) sequential aortofemorodistal (popliteal or tibia) procedures were performed for critical limb ischaemia Fontaine classification grade III and IV. Two-segment reconstructions were performed in one stage in 161 cases (group A), and two separate operations were performed, the outflow procedure usually following within 12 months after inflow surgery, in 84 cases (group B). The preoperative mortality rates were 3.2% in group A (five deaths) and 5.9% in group B (five deaths). Limb salvage rates were 95.6% at 1 year and 90.4% at 5 years for group A and 88.8% at 1 year and 80.0% at 5 years for group B. Primary inflow bypass patency rates were 97.7% at 1 year and 91.3% at 5 years for group A and 93.4% at 1 year and 76.3% at 5 years for group B, while secondary inflow bypass patency rates were 98.8% at 1 and 5 years for group A, and 95.3% and 88.3% at 1 and five years respectively for group B. Primary outflow bypass patency rates were 91.4% at 1 year and 65.5% at 5 years for group A, and 84.9% at 1 year and 59.4% at 5 years for group B. Secondary outflow bypass patency rates were 92.2% at 1 year and 81.8% at 5 years for group A, and 86.1% at 1 year and 65.9% at 5 years for group B. The data demonstrate that single-stage multisegment reconstruction for multilevel arterial occlusive disease is a safe and effective method of treating critical limb ischaemia.

Simultaneous versus two-stage multisegmental reconstruction for critical lower limb ischemia.

Treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) remains one of the most demanding problems of vascular surgery, especially when it is due to multisegmental occlusive arterial disease. Three main options of treatment are accepted: inflow procedure alone, simultaneous inflow and outflow reconstructions, or two-stage surgery. To compare the results of the latter two was the aim of this study. During a six year period from 1987 to 1992, 1953 aortofemoral reconstructions were performed. In 245 cases (12.5%), sequential aortofemorodistal (popliteal or tibial) procedures were necessary for successful treatment of CLI - Grade III and IV Fountain. In 161 cases, two-segment reconstruction was performed in one stage (Group A), and in 84 cases (Group B), two separate operations were done - outflow procedure followed after the inflow surgery. Results in perioperative and remote postoperative periods were analyzed regarding limb salvage and graft patency rates using a life table method. Perioperative mortality was 3% in Group A and 6% in Group B. The limb salvage rate was 95.6% at one year and 90.4% at five(A), and 88.8% and 80% (B) respectively. Primary overall graft patency rate was 91.4% at one year and 65.5% at five (A) and 84.9% and 59.4% (B) respectively. Secondary graft patency was 92.2% at one year and 81.8% at five (A) and 86.1% and 65.9% (B). Analysis of the data demonstrates that simultaneous multisegmental reconstructions for critical limb ischemia are a safe and effective method of treatment and superior when compared with two-stage surgery.