The Value of Blood Flow Measurements in Acute Arterial Surgery

Abstract

Blood flow determinations have been performed at 31 acute arterial reconstructions with the aid of electromagnetic blood flow meter (Nycotron®). Fourteen of 17 patients operated upon within the first 24 hours after the acute occlusion was considered as good results. Of 14 patients who had delayed operations more than 24 hours, there were eight good results. The improvement of blood flow by the injection of potent vasodilator in the reconstructed artery demonstrates that an increase of more than 50% in flow correlates well with a favourable postoperative course and a good late result.