[Revascularization of arteries of the leg by bypass in chronic arteriopathies of the lower limbs. Apropos of 50 cases].

The authors report 50 by-pass operations followed up for from 6 months to 4 years, which were designed to restore the blood supply via the leg arteries in peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. 40 patients were at stages III and IV; acute ischemia required emergency operation in 6 cases. 2 Patients died immediately after operation. 30 by-passes remained permeable. A cure of the trophic disorder and a functional improvement were obtained in 39 patients with only 8 subsequent amputations. In the light of the world literature and their personal experience they discuss the main pronostic factors and the indications for this method which has proved to be a remarkable progress in the treatment of severe arterial disease of the lower limbs.