The profunda femoris artery in reconstructive vascular surgery.

Thirty patients with 43 ischaemic limbs were treated by profundal revascularization. 10 patients had impending gangrene preoperatively; the limbs were saved in 8 cases, and four have not had postoperative claudication symptoms. None had postoperative rest pain. In 53% of the whole material the results were evaluated as excellent with no ischaemic symptoms, and in 30% as good with only slight claudication. Profundal revascularization is a valuable method of saving pregangrenous limbs in advanced arteriosclerosis and a worthwhile alternative to femoro-popliteal bypass in suitable cases.