FEMOROPOPLITEAL ENDOBYPASS - A FEASIBILITY STUDY IN 41 PATIENTS

The authors present a new technique for the treatment of atherosclerot ic occlusive disease of the superficial femoral artery in highly sympt omatic cases. The endovascular technique consists of recanalization, d ilation and intraluminal positioning of a distally stented and dilated polytetrafluoroethylene (P.T.F.E.) graft. Until submission of this ma nuscript, 41 patients with total occlusion of the superficial femoral artery and collateral refill at the level of the proximal popliteal ar tery were treated with this technique with a very low morbidity. At 1 year follow-up, the life-table analysis shows a primary patency rate o f 75,1% and an assisted primary patency of 79,1%. Amputation rate at 1 year was nil. The endovascular technique is depicted in detail and so me important features are discussed.