Open femoro-popliteal endarterectomy with long vein patch

Evaluation of autogenous vein bypass grafts for femoro-popliteal arterial occlusion.

“…The causes of death and the time after operation at which death occurred are shown in Table VI. Thus the late mortality, which is usually due to the cardiac or cerebral complications of atherosclerosis, was 7.60% in this series, which is considerably lower than the 15-25 % reported by others (Bloor, 1961 ;Taylor and Calo, 1962 ;Webster, 1966). Earlier series expressed disappointment with the longterm patency, and an ill-founded fear of aneurysmal dilatation of the grafted vein in the thigh resulted in a change to other devices then becoming available (Julian et al, 1952 ;Rob, 1956).…”

“…Gryska (1960) has recommended its use for localized or segmental lesions where the vessels above and below are relatively normal; this probably agrees with the general consensus of opinion among vascular surgeons. Our personal experience with these techniques has been limited because we decided to give venous bypass grafts an adequate trial in the first instance, but other surgeons have reported favourably on their experiences with thromboendarterectomy supplemented by vein patching (Cockett and Maurice, 1963 ;Webster, 1966). Our results in this present study compare less favourably in long-term patency with those of recent large surveys (Table I).…”

Routine Angiographic Follow-Up Examinations After Vascular Surgery

“…The results obtained by Szilagyi, 37 Downs and Morrow 17 and from our material are based on angiographic follow-up examinations and are compared with a group of results obtained by cliniqal examination. '9, 'o, 23,39 We see that the results obtained by clinical examination after surgery in the iliac and proximal femoral regions correspond exactly with the angiographically verified results. In this case the femoral pulse below the inguinal ligament is a safe and easily obtainable indication of successful surgery.…”