Clinical results of femoropopliteal bypass using externally supported (EXS) Dacron grafts: with a comparison of above- and below-knee anastomosis

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 1990 Nov-Dec;31(6):731-4.

Abstract

As of the end of September 1989, 52 EXS Dacron grafts had been implanted for femoropopliteal bypass operations. The distal ends of 27 grafts were anastomosed to above-knee popliteal arteries and those of 25 grafts to below-knee popliteal arteries. The cumulative patency rate of above-knee grafts was 71.3% at 54 months, and that of below-knee grafts was 78.8% at 48 months (n.s.). Kinking and stenosis of the arteriosclerotic proximal and/or mid popliteal artery when the knee was bent were angiographically remarkable. These changes may explain why some femoropopliteal grafts occlude with time and why the late results of above-knee grafts are not much better than those of below-knee grafts.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Anastomosis, Surgical / standards*
  • Arteriosclerosis Obliterans / diagnostic imaging
  • Arteriosclerosis Obliterans / epidemiology
  • Arteriosclerosis Obliterans / surgery*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis / standards*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery / surgery*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Knee / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates / therapeutic use*
  • Popliteal Artery / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Risk Factors
  • Vascular Patency

Substances

  • Polyethylene Terephthalates