Below-knee popliteal and distal bypass with PTFE and vein cuff.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the value of PTFE grafts with a distal vein cuff as a conduit for below-knee (BK) popliteal and distal bypass in the absence of autologous vein.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty below BK popliteal and distal bypass procedures in 39 patients with PTFE and distal vein cuff (Miller cuff n = 31, Wolfe cuff and adjuvant arteriovenous fistula n = 9). Nineteen primary and 21 secondary reconstruction procedures.

RESULTS

The primary patency rate was 62.5% at 1 year falling to 50% at 2 years. The secondary patency rates were very similar owing to poor outcome of thrombectomy. Ten cases (25%) resulted in major amputation postoperatively. There was a tendency towards better outcome for primary procedures compared to secondary/redo procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

BK popliteal and distal bypass with PTFE and distal vein cuff is a worthwhile procedure in the absence of autologous vein. The value of thrombectomy following thrombosis of a secondary bypass procedure with PTFE and distal vein cuff is questionable.