Extended Endarterectomy of the Profunda Femoris Artery

Abstract

In eight limbs with femoral or popliteal artery occlusions due to arteriosclerosis profunda, endarterectomy was used as all (two patients) or part of the reconstructive procedure. In five patients aortofemoral bypass grafts were used concomitantly, and in one a femoropopliteal vein bypass was performed also. All were improved clinically and no amputations followed. Where blood flows were measured by the electromagnetic flowmeter before and after operation, all increased, most by over 100 ml/min. In some limbs popliteal pulses returned. The endarterectomy technique was a "closed" one and clearance was always carried to the second or third perforating branch.