Femoropopliteal versus femorotibial bypass grafting for lower extremity revascularization.

Thirty-nine femoropopliteal revascularization procedures were compared with 35 femorotibial revascularization and one brachioradial revascularization over a follow-up period of six months to six years. Preoperative study, operative technique, results and complications are described. Living patency is compared with closure rates. The living patency rates are 49 per cent and 51 per bent for the femoropopliteal and femorotibial group. The complication rate was higher in the femorotibial group by four times (37% compared to 10%). Four reoperations were done because of progression of the patient's disease in the femorotibial group. Femorotibial revascularization is at least as effective as femoropopliteal revascularization, and produces a comparable live patency record, but with a higher incidence of postoperative complications.