Angiographic runoff patterns in patients undergoing lower limb revascularization.

Intraoperative postreconstruction serial angiography was performed in 194 patients undergoing lower-limb revascularization (206 limbs), in order to analyze the atherosclerotic involvement of the lower leg and foot arteries. Occlusion of two or three leg vessels was found in 71% of the diabetic patients, and in 52% of the non-diabetics. The peroneal artery was less frequently affected than the other leg arteries. Severe involvement of the foot arteries was commonly observed in patients with only one or no patent leg vessel. The posterior foot arch was less commonly affected than the anterior. Complete visualization of the lower leg and foot arteries is suggested to be important for adequate evaluation of the distal vascular runoff. Pedal runoff may have prognostic significance in femoropopliteal as well as femorodistal bypass surgery.