Reversed autogenous saphenous vein by-pass from the common to the deep femoral (profunda femoris) artery

Abstract

Extended deep femoral angioplasty is an invaluable method of saving a limb especially where a femoro-popliteal vein by-pass is not possible because of a poor run-off. Atherosclerosis in the deep femoral artery often extends for more than 10 cm. In such cases we have preferred to perform a short vein by-pass than an extensive endarterectomy and patch graft. Our experience is described of 6 such cases, in 5 of whom amputation was avoided.