Abstract
Objective: Assess outcomes of ilio-politeal grafting for complex ilio-femoral atherosclerotic disease. Design: Retrospective review of patients undergoing iliopopliteal grafting between January 1998 and January 2007. Methods: Patients were identified from our unit database. Case notes and radiology were retrieved. Data were extracted and entered into the database for analysis. Results: 19 grafts were undertaken in 19 patients. Primary graft patency was 45% at 1 year (95% CI, 22% - 68%). Secondary graft patency was 82.5% at one year (95% CI, 64% - 100%). 25 subsequent surgical and radiological interventions were undertaken in 12 patients. Lower limb amputation was rare; limb survival was 88% (95% CI, 72% - 100%) at one year and 73% (95% CI 44% - 100%) at 4 years. Conclusions: Iliopopliteal grafts are rarely undertaken severe disease requiring their use is infrequently encountered. High mortality and low primary patency mean its use can only be advocated in exceptional circumstances.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.