Bypass to the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

Two patients with severe aortoiliac disease presented with total occlusion of all major femoral arteries, including the distal profunda femoris artery. Bypass to the lateral circumflex femoral artery, the most proximal branch of the profunda femoris artery, was successful in each patient. One patient had a bifurcated Dacron graft implanted from the aorta to the lateral circumflex femoral artery on each side. No sequential bypass to more distal vessels has since been necessary. The second patient underwent bypass to the lateral circumflex femoral artery from the contralateral femoral artery using saphenous vein. The procedure obviated the need to revise an above-knee amputation. The lateral circumflex femoral artery can provide suitable outflow in patients with thrombosis of the entire profunda femoris artery.