Crural artery bypass with the autogenous greater saphenous vein

Objective. To evaluate the long-term outcome of greater saphenous vein (GSV) infrapopliteal revascularisation in a single centre over a 10 year period. Material and methods. Fourty-one variables relating to a consecutive series of 90 crural artery GSV(76% in situ) bypasses in 81 patients (1990-2000) were analysed. The mean age of the 47 men and 34 women was 70 years. Limb-threatening ischaemia was present in 96% of cases, claudication in four patients. In 18 patients, surgery was 'redo'. Results. The perioperative mortality was 3% (n = 3). Patient survival was 54% at 4 years. Independent risk factors affecting survival were chronic renal insufficiency (p = 0.04), hypertension (p = 0.02), and ischaemic heart disease (p = 0.01). Four bypasses thrombosed within 30 days. Three of them could be successfully reopened. Mean follow-up was 39 months. The primary patency rate at 4 years was 80%. Chronic renal insufficiency revealed to be the single independent risk factor for graft thrombosis (p = 0.03, RR = 12.4). The 4-year limb salvage rate was 88%. No independent risk factor affecting the limb salvage could be identified. Conclusion. Crural artery revascularisation is a valuable option for the management of limb threatening infrapopliteal arterial occlusive disease.