Results of Infrainguinal Bypass with a Composite Graft Combining Polytetrafluoroethylene and Vein Graft in Absence of Appropriate Saphenous Vein Graft

Vasc Specialist Int. 2017 Jun;33(2):65-71. doi: 10.5758/vsi.2017.33.2.65. Epub 2017 Jun 30.

Abstract

Purpose: Use of a composite graft combining a polytetrafluoroethylene graft with an autogenous vein is an option for limb salvage in the absence of an adequate single segment vein graft. We aimed to investigate the results of infrainguinal bypass with a composite graft.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed 11 infrainguinal arterial bypasses on 11 limbs which underwent surgery from March 2012 to November 2016.

Results: Critical limb ischemia was common (63.6%) indication of bypass surgery and most (90.9%) of the patients had history of failed previous treatment including endovascular treatment (36.4%) and bypass surgery (72.7%). At the 2 years after graft implantations, primary patency and amputation-free survival of below-knee bypasses using composite graft were 73% and 76%, respectively.

Conclusion: Infrainguinal arterial bypasses with composite graft had an acceptable patency. In patients without other alternative conduits for revascularization, bypass with a composite graft can be an option.

Keywords: Bypass; Composite graft; Infrainguinal.