Intraoperative arteriography in femoropopliteal and femorotibial bypass grafts
P. R. Liebman, J. O. Menzoian, J. A. Mannick, B. W. Lowney and F. W. LoGerfo
We reviewed our experience with intraoperative arteriography following
femoropopliteal and femorotibial reconstruction during a five-year period
beginning in January 1975. During 171 of 250 procedures an intraoperative
arteriogram was performed. In nine (5.2%) instances, a correctable
abnormality was detected. These consisted of three cases of distal
anastomotic stenoses, two cases of intimal flaps, three cases of poor
inflow, and one case of clot. Intraoperative arteriography may reveal a
correctable abnormality in 5% of femoropopliteal and femorotibial bypass
grafts and thus prevent early graft failure. The false-positive rate was
0.06%. In our experience, routine intraoperative arteriography has been a
safe, easy to perform, and effective method of assessing technical problems
in femoropopliteal and femorotibial reconstruction.
