The Influence of Distal Runoff on Patency of Infrainguinal Vein Bypass Grafts

This retrospective study was conducted to analyze a new concept of evaluation of the effect of distal runoff on patency in infrainguinal bypass surgery for arterial insufficiency. Distal runoff was evaluated on postreconstruction angiograms in 191 limbs undergoing femoropopliteal and femorodistal reconstruction. Runoff was characterized as good, fair, or poor. Determination of graft patency was made by clinical examination, ankle-brachial index measurement, or duplex scanning at 1 month and thereafter at 6-month intervals. Cumulative patency rates were calculated according to the actuarial life table method. Patency rates in limbs with good runoff were better than in limbs with fair and poor runoff; at 6 months, patency rates were 88.2%, 70.9%, and 21.8%, respectively (p < 0.01). Similar patency rates were found for good runoff in femoropopliteal and femorodistal reconstructions (84.7% in femoropopliteal and 75% in femorodistal reconstructions) at 6 months. The authors conclude that this method of angiographic evaluation accurately predicts patency in infrainguinal bypass reconstructions.