EARLY RESULTS OF RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FEMORAL-ARTERY WITH A GORE-TEX PROSTHESIS

Abstract

The results of 41 reconstructions of the superficial femoral artery using a Gore-Tex prosthesis were analyzed. There were 4 complications and the results, when the boundary conditions were good, were comparable to those obtained from reconstruction with autogenous vein. Most failures occurred in patients in whom the branches of the popliteal artery were obliterated. A Gore-Tex prosthesis is a reasonable alternative when autogenous vein is unavailable, but will not be effective in circumstances where revascularization would not succeed.