Treatment of critical ischaemia of the lower limb by venous arterialization: An interim report
- 1 March 1977
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in British Journal of Surgery
- Vol. 64 (3), 197-199
- https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.1800640314
Abstract
Summary A method to revascularize the critically ischaemic lower limb by arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot via the long saphenous vein is described. Satisfactory procedures were achieved in 5 of 6 patients for whom standard arterial reconstructions were not possible and who would otherwise have required amputation. Of these, 2 failed in the early postoperative period and amputation was performed. Two others failed after 1 year and 18 months respectively but amputation was not required. One patient died 8 months after operation with a functioning arterialized vein and pain-free limb. In the 5 patients with successfully revascularized limbs rest pain was relieved, and incisions, ischaemic ulcers and gangrene healed, showing that effective nutrition of the lower limb was achieved by delivering arterial blood through the venous system. Complications were minor and easily controlled. Although as a result of the procedure amputation was woided in 3 out of 6 patients, the place of the method in the treatment of critical ischaemia of the lower limb remains dubious. Further investigation and modification of the method are planned.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Revascularization of severely ischemic extremities with an arteriovenous fistulaThe American Journal of Surgery, 1966
- Effects of an Arteriovenous Fistula on the Devascularized LimbPublished by American Medical Association (AMA) ,1965