Femoro-femoral crossover graft and simultaneous reconstruction of the proximal deep femoral artery

Background: The goal of this study was to describe and review the results of a technique in which reconstruction of the common and profunda femoral arteries is combined with a femoro-femoral crossover graft using the same synthetic graft. A synthetic bifurcated graft (such as the ones used for aortobifemoral reconstruction), in which one limb is cut off, is used, leaving an enlarging patch at the end where the proximal anastomosis will be fashioned.

Methods: From January 1972 to January 2000, 6 patients underwent this reconstruction for severe limb ischemia. Patients were followed up in the outpatient clinic every 6 months.

Results: No postoperative mortality and no major complications were seen. One patient had a superficial wound infection, which resolved with conservative treatment. Five patients had a patent graft at an average follow-up of 39 months.

Conclusions: Using the same synthetic graft allows angioplasty of the common and profunda femoral arteries of the donor side and revascularization of the opposite lower limb, with good short- and long-term results.