Preliminary Experience with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts Inserted for Chronic Occlusive Disease of the Femoro-popliteal Artery Segment

Summary

In a prospective study the early clinical experience at our clinic with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts was evaluated with special respect to the preoperative angiographic assessment, ankle arm systolic pressure index and pulse volume recording.

A total of 94 PTFE grafts were inserted consecutively to bypass a femoro-popliteal artery segment occluded by chronic occlusive disease. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was used when no suitable autogenous vein was available. Seventy-one grafts were inserted for limb salvage (stage III or IV). Within the follow-up period of 6 months for all patients patency rate amounted to 68%. Best results were obtained in patients with a high ASPI and a good peripheral run-off, and in patients with the distal anastomosis placed above knee.

Key words

Femoro-popliteal occlusive disease - Polytetrafluoroethylene bypass grafts - Early results