The role of cross-over bypass graft in the treatment of acute ischaemia of the lower limb.

INTRODUCTION The Authors reports their experience with the use of femoro-femoral cross-over bypass graft in the management of acute lower limb ischaemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fourteen femoro-femoral bypass graft were performed for acute lower limb ischaemia due to unilateral thrombosis of iliac and femoral artery in 8 cases, late unilateral occlusion of a branch of previous aortobifemoral bypass in 3 cases, acute thrombosis of abdominal aorta in 2 cases and in the last one for an injury of common iliac artery during urological procedure. In all the cases the operations were carried out under local anaesthesia and a subcutaneous bypass with 'C' shape type configuration with 8 mm Dacron prosthesis were performed. The first and second year primary and secondary patency rates and limb salvage rates were evaluated. RESULTS One and two year patency rate was 83.3 (10/12) and 70% (7/10) respectively. Secondary patency rate and limb salvage rate was 91.6% (11/12) and 80% (8/10) respectively. A tight amputation had to performed in 3 failed reconstruction (3/12, 25%). Two patient died within 30 days after surgery from acute myocardial infarct. In 1 case infection occurred and re-do femorofemoral cross-over bypass with saphenous vein was carried out (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS Cross-over bypass is an attractive technique, especially in case of acute ischemia because of its simplicity, low morbidity and mortality, and good long term results.