Background: Below-knee revascularization for limb salvage in the absence of a suitable autogenous saphenous vein is a frequent challenge associated with a high amputation rate. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the usefulness of cryopreserved arterial allografts in such cases.
Methods: Arterial allografts were harvested from multiple organ donors and cryopreserved at -80 degrees C. From March 1993 to December 1997, 35 cryopreserved arterial allografts were used as below-knee bypasses for repeated limb salvage in 32 patients. There were 15 men and 17 women with a mean age of 75 years (+/-10.7). Seven patients had rest pain and 25 patients (78%) had gangrene or nonhealing ulceration. Runoff was through a single tibial vessel in 25 cases (71%) and two vessels in 10 cases. Previous ipsilateral bypasses had been done in 26 of 35 limbs (74%). Patients were followed up prospectively for an average period of 18 months (range 2 to 56).
Results: Aneurysmal dilatation occurred in two patent grafts, requiring segmental replacement at 13 and 18 months, respectively. The overall primary patency rate was 75% at 6 months, 57% at 12 months, and 39% at 18 months. The overall secondary patency rate was 75% at 6 months, 75% at 12 months, and 59% at 18 months. Overall limb salvage rate was 80% at 12 months, 73% at 18 months.
Conclusions: These early data indicate that below-knee bypass with arterial allografts results in acceptable patency and limb salvage. Arterial allografts may be a useful alternative to other arterial substitutes in a difficult group of patients with critical ischemia and no suitable saphenous vein.