The multiple sequential distal bypass graft: Seven-year follow-up

Thirty-nine infrainguinal bypass grafts with multiple sequential distal anastomoses were performed on 35 patients ranging in age from 32 to 79 years (mean 65.8 years) with severe femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Thirty-eight procedures were performed for limb salvage indications. Distal anastomoses were performed to the popliteal-anterior tibial arteries in seven procedures, the popliteal-posterior tibial arteries in six, the popliteal-peroneal arteries in six, the anterior tibial-peroneal arteries in eight, the posterior tibial-peroneal arteries in 10, and the posterior tibial-anterior tibial arteries in two. Saphenous vein was the graft material in 31 procedures (in situ in two), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in four, and saphenous vein-PTFE composite in four. The mean Doppler anklearm index was 0.38 ± 0.14 preoperatively and 0.89 ± 0.13 postoperatively. The early (30-day) graft patency rate was 93%. With life-table analysis, the long-term primary patency rate was 70% at 1 year, 61% at 3 years, and 52% at 7 years for saphenous vein grafts; the secondary patency rate was 65% at 7 years for saphenous vein grafts. The secondary patency rate for PTFE and PTFE-vein composite grafts was 75% at 1 year, 50% at 3 years, and 17% at 5 years. Cumulative life-table limb salvage rates were 91% at 1 year, 85% at 5 years, and 61% at 7 years. The multiple sequential distal bypass graft is durable and highly efficacious in achieving limb salvage.