Oscillating loop endarterectomy for peripheral vascular reconstruction.

A new technique for endarterectomy of the aorta, iliac, femoropopliteal, and three distal vessels of the lower leg is a safe and predictable method of endarterectomy that has proved to be effective. By the use of this technique the superficial femoral artery and its collateral branches are opened, considerably increasing the blood flow to the lower leg. Increased knowledge concerning thrombogenic enzymes, released when cleavage of the arterial wall is performed, has led to the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulative drug therapy. This has significantly enhanced the patency of the endarterectomized vessel. Today, with many patients having the saphenous veins harvested for coronary bypass or needing these veins for future bypass surgery, it seems reasonable to perform an endarterectomy of the femoral artery.