Two techniques of in-situ bypass for lower limb revascularization were com pared over a period of fifteen months (between July, 1986, and October, 1987). Twelve patients underwent surgery employing the Leather and Karmody tech nique (group I). Fourteen patients underwent surgery employing the LeMaitre technique (group II). Throughout the study period, 11 of 12 grafts in group I and all grafts in group II remained patent.
One patient in group I underwent a below-knee amputation. One patient in group II died of myocardial infarction. Skin problems developed in 3 patients (25%) of group I and in 1 patient (7.1%) of group II.
Average time for performance of the procedure was four hours and fifteen minutes with the Leather and Karmody technique and three hours and thirty minutes with the LeMaitre technique. Though both techniques are equally good for limb salvage, the LeMaitre technique is easier to master and simpler to perform.
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References
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