The use of far distal arterial bypass for limb salvage.

Thirty-four distal arterial reconstructions to the ankle and the foot for limb salvage were performed in 33 patients, 11 of whom underwent additional operative procedures. The follow-up period is up to 4 years. The operative mortality rate was 9.09%. The 6 month, 1 year and 2 year accumulated patency rates calculated by life table analysis were 85%, 86.7% and 77.3%, respectively. Limb salvage was achieved not only in patients with patent grafts but also in a considerable number of patients whose grafts were occluded between 3 and 24 months postoperatively.