The lateral approach to the above-knee femoropopliteal bypass.

Functional salvage of the limb was successful in a patient using a lateral approach to the above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis was placed in a lateral subcutaneous tunnel. This new technique offers a direct and practical alternative to the classic approaches to the proximal part of the popliteal artery and may be useful when previous scarring, infection or unusual circumstances precludes their use.