Background: Autologous vein is recommended for infrainguinal bypass due to improved freedom from occlusion compared to prosthetic graft. In patients without adequate vein, a vein adjunct at the distal anastomosis has been suggested to improve patency in small studies. This study aimed to determine if performance of a distal vein adjunct was associated with improved freedom from occlusion in below-knee popliteal and tibial bypasses compared to prosthetic bypass alone.
Methods: A retrospective review of the Vascular Quality Initiative Infrainguinal Bypass database was conducted. Patients undergoing prosthetic-only and prosthetic with vein adjuncts were compared. Inclusion criteria included age ≥18 years, and bypass to below-knee popliteal or tibial vessels. Exclusion criteria included autologous vein conduits and prior interventions. Groups were further divided into below-knee popliteal and tibial subgroups.
Results: A cohort of 3,939 patients underwent bypass to the below-knee popliteal artery, with 287 (7.3%) receiving vein adjuncts. More patients were male (68.8 vs. 57.8%, P < 0.001) and had higher rates of congestive heart failure (21.1 vs. 16.0%, P = 0.040) within the below-knee popliteal group. Two-year bypass occlusion was decreased in patients receiving vein adjuncts (11.6 vs. 17.1%, P = 0.004). A cohort of 2,378 patients underwent tibial bypass, with 473 (19.9%) receiving vein adjuncts. Within the tibial group, patients were similar in age, body mass index, race, comorbidities, and indications. Bypass occlusion (24.8 vs. 17.6%, P = 0.005) and amputation (20.5 vs. 15.9%, P = 0.048) rates at 2 years were worse for patients who did not receive a distal vein adjunct to tibial arteries.
Conclusions: Distal vein adjuncts are associated with improved freedom from occlusion, amputation, major adverse limb events, and overall survival when compared to bypasses performed with prosthetic graft alone for tibial bypasses within the Vascular Quality Initiative. A vein adjunct was not associated with improved freedom from occlusion in below-knee popliteal bypasses. Consideration should be given to utilization of a distal vein adjunct to improve prosthetic bypass longevity and limb salvage for patients requiring tibial bypasses.
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