Infrainguinal bypass graft patency and limb salvage rates in critical limb ischemia: influence of the mode of presentation

Ann Vasc Surg. 2003 Mar;17(2):192-7. doi: 10.1007/s10016-001-0257-7. Epub 2003 Mar 6.

Abstract

Rest pain, ulceration, and gangrene are often considered together in studies describing outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 152 infrainguinal bypass grafts performed on 128 patients with chronic critical limb ischemia over a 6-year period was carried out. Grafts were classified according to the mode of presentation and were followed up by regular clinical and duplex examinations. Mean follow-up period was 29 months (range 12 to 60 months). Patients' demographics, risk factors, and graft characteristics were not statistically different between the groups. The 5-year cumulative primary patency rates were 33%, 52%, and 51% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.04). The 5-year cumulative primary assisted patency rates were 46%, 70%, and 72% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.01). The 5-year cumulative secondary patency rates were 48%, 76%, and 75% for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.003). The 5-year cumulative limb salvage rates were 59%, 87%, and 83%, for gangrene, ulceration, and rest pain, respectively (p = 0.01). Gangrene is a distinct subcategory of critical limb ischemia with a worse prognosis than ulceration and rest pain and should be classified as such when reporting results of infrainguinal bypass grafts.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Female
  • Gangrene / etiology
  • Gangrene / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / complications*
  • Leg Ulcer / etiology
  • Leg Ulcer / surgery
  • Limb Salvage / methods*
  • Lower Extremity / blood supply*
  • Lower Extremity / pathology
  • Male
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / surgery
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vascular Patency