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Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Grafts in Reconstructive Arterial Surgery: Preliminary Report of the First 110 Consecutive Cases for Limb Salvage

One hundred ten arterial reconstructions, including several new and extended bypasses, were performed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts and were observed for three to 16 months. Patency rates were 100% with 15 bypasses to the femoral artery, 95% with 66 bypasses to the popliteal artery, and 76% with 29 bypasses to the arteries of the leg and foot. These encouraging preliminary results justify continued use and evaluation of PTFE as an arterial prosthesis.

Isotope angiography: technique, validation and value in the assessment of arterial reconstruction.

Isotope angiography performed by intravenous injection of technetium 99m pertechnetate has been demonstrated to be of value in the diagnosis and management of a variety of disorders of the large arteries. An improved technique of isotope angiography is described and the technique validated (53 cases) in normal and diseased arteries by correlating it with conventional contrast arteriography and/or operative findings. Peripheral arteries as far distal as the wrist or mid-calf have been accurately visualized and quantitation of isotope arrival times and total isotope activity in different parts of the arterial tree has provided a means of evaluating the hemodynamic significance of stenosing lesions.Thirty-nine arterial reconstructions were studied by this technique. Seven of 27 (26%) clinically patent arterial reconstructions were found to be harboring significant and potentially dangerous imperfections which were clinically unsuspected. Nine of 12 (75%) arterial reconstructions thought clinically to be occluded were demonstrated to be patent, obviating the need for invasive contrast arteriography.Isotope angiography may be used with no risk for the immediate postoperative and long-term evaluation of arterial reconstructions. Only those patients with abnormalities identified on isotope angiography need have conventional contrast arteriography for further delineation of the abnormality so that it may be repaired before it causes failure of the reconstruction.

Radionuclide evaluation of peripheral vascular injuries

Radionuclide techniques have become an important modality for the detection and evaluation of peripheral vascular trauma. The presence of significant vascular injury can be diagnosed using essentially noninvasive procedures. A normal radionuclide angiogram reliably indicates the absence of injury to the major peripheral arterial vessels. An abnormal study suggests that further diagnostic maneuvers may be indicated.