No abstract

The overall prognosis for limb salvage in patients with failed infrainguinal bypass grafts is poor, particularly in patients with grafts placed because of tissue loss and those with early graft failure.

The 30-day readmission rates after lower extremity bypass vary significantly by surgical indication. Because lower extremity bypasses are performed for multiple indications, if readmission rates are publically reported and hospitals can be penalized for higher than expected readmission rates, the expected readmission rates should be adjusted for surgical indication.

This analysis of outcomes up to 81 months supports the suitability of covering the CA in selected patients for extending the distal landing zone to the visceral aortic level above the SMA or when alternative branch vessel treatment is unavailable. Preoperative angiographic evaluation of the mesenteric collaterals and early postoperative surveillance may limit postoperative complications. Once the CA is covered, new symptoms do not develop unless the SMA is compromised.

No abstract