Values and limitations of duplex ultrasonography as the sole imaging method of preoperative evaluation for popliteal and infrapopliteal bypasses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether duplex ultrasound arteria l mapping (DAM) can reliably replace standard arteriography (SA) in the pre operative assessment of candidates for popliteal and infrapopliteal bypasse s. This is the report of a two-phase study undertaken at our institution fr om July 1997 to May 1998. Carefully performed DAM averted the need for preo perative SA (51 of 58 procedures). The results of this study can be used as an impetus to initiate larger, multicenter protocols to further evaluate t his newer noninvasive approach for patients presenting with severe lower-li mb ischemia.