The correlation between PCr on-kinetics and end-increment pH values might indicate remodelling processes within the muscle that probably affect mitochondrial performance, diffusion of oxygen, and muscle fiber distribution. These parameters could be improved by exercise training.

Our data suggest that although women are older and present with a more advanced stage of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, endovascular therapy is equally effective irrespective of gender. Surprisingly, the subgroup of young female patients had a specifically poor outcome.

Emergency repair of civilian artery injuries with the use of vein grafts is associated with considerable risk of early occlusion and limb loss. When compared with the upper limb, limb loss rate is significantly higher in the lower extremity. Early graft occlusion is frequently followed by limb loss, especially in the lower limb. During long-term follow-up, occlusions of interposed vein grafts, vascular reinterventions, and late amputations are uncommon.

Our study shows that the impairment of muscle metabolism, expressed by prolonged PCr time constants, occurs with greater work intensities in patients with aorto-iliac disease compared with patients with multisegmental PAD, as recently published, whereas our patients collective exhibited normal PCr recovery time constants. Our findings may help to understand variability of clinical symptoms in aorto-iliac PAD.