[Arteriovenous fistula in the reconstructive surgery of the femoral-popliteal-tibial segments].

Reconstructive operations were carried out in 75 patients with occlusive lesions of the femoropopliteal-tibial segment and poor condition of the outflow tract. In group I consisting of 35 patients, a typical autovenous shunt was formed. A similar operation was conducted in 40 patients of group II with additional creation of an arteriovenous fistula. A method for creation of the fistula suggested by the author is described. Regional hemodynamics was studied in both groups of patients by arteriography, ultrasonic and electromagnetic flow measurement. The positive role of the fistula in increasing the volumetric rate of blood flow in the shunt is shown. The immediate and late-term postoperative results are discussed. Three years later patency was maintained by 26.1% of shunts in group I and by 62.2% in group II.