Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Upper Limb Chronic Ischaemia

• Published in: European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery 2010-02, Vol.39 (2), p.165-170
• Main Authors: Spinelli, F, Benedetto, F, Passari, G, La Spada, M, Carella, G, Stilo, F, De Caridi, G, Lentini, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Amputation; Arm - blood supply; Arm - diagnostic imaging; Arm - surgery; Chronic Disease; Female; Gangrene - diagnostic imaging; Gangrene - surgery; Graft Survival; Hand; Humans; Ischaemia; Ischemia - diagnostic imaging; Ischemia - surgery; Life Tables; Limb Salvage - methods; Male; Middle Aged; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - surgery; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Stenosis; Surgery; Surveillance; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography; Vascular Patency; Vascular Surgical Procedures - methods; Vein graft
• ISSN: 1078-5884; 1532-2165
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2009.10.015

Abstract Objectives This study aims to evaluate the results and complications of surgical arterial revascularisation of the upper limb for treatment of chronic ischaemia using infrabrachial bypass. Results of limb salvage and follow-up with graft patency are analysed. Design This study is a retrospective analysis of 23 patients affected by chronic upper limb ischaemia and treated by surgical bypass. Materials and methods We retrospectively analysed 23 patients with upper limb ischaemia treated between January 1998 and January 2008, by means of bypass graft revascularisation. After surgical revascularisation, eight patients (35%) with digital gangrene underwent minor amputations during the same surgical session, or within the following few days. Postoperatively, patients were followed up at regular intervals of 1, 3 and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter, both clinically and with a duplex ultrasound scan. Results The mean 34 months’ follow-up was 96% complete. Life table analysis revealed a primary patency of 82.6% and secondary patency of 91.3%. Limb salvage was 100%. During the follow-up period, four patients sustained graft occlusion and, of these, two underwent re-do revascularisation with success. Conclusions We believe upper limb bypass surgery represents a valid treatment in this clinical setting, both for limb salvage and for relief of symptoms.