Infragenicular bypass procedure for critical lower limb ischemia

Abstract EN

Objective: To assess the outcome of infragenicular arterial revascularization for lower limb salvage in critical ischemia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 33 patients who underwent infragenicular bypass procedure for critical limb ischemia at Queen Alia Military Hospital / Vascular Unit between the years 2002 and 2004.

Twenty seven patients were males and 6 were females with a mean age of 63 years.

Rest pain and gangrene were the presentation in most of the patients.

Twenty two patients were diabetics.

Long saphenous vein was used for the bypass in 28 patients.

Analysis of the graft patency, limb salvage and patient survival was considered. Results: The early patency rate within the first 30 days was 64%.

At 12 and 24 months, the patency was 47% and 39% and the limb salvage rate was 51% and 45%, respectively.

A total of 14 major limb amputations has been performed, 8 of which were at above knee level.

Three cases of death within the first 6 months were reported due to acute myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Reconstructive procedure should be attempted before considering major limb amputation as long as there is an opportunity of saving a critically ischemic limb. Infragenicular revascularization to the tibial and pedal arteries is an effective procedure in limb salvage and improving the quality of patient's life