Vascular surveillance after peripheral artery interventions

Prospective studies have shown that intensive vascular surveillance with ec ho-Doppler significantly improves arterial graft patency rate in the lower limbs although no conclusive data have demonstrated associated improvement in limb salvage. The lack of randomised controlled studies makes it difficu lt to advocate such intensive surveillance programmes to reduce limb loss a fter arterial reconstruction. Nevertheless, it appears that measures mainta ining good graft patency in the lower limb have the best chance to be accom panied by improved life quality. Therefore, a fair protocol for graft surve illance should take into consideration early flow disturbances, intrinsic r isks related to comorbidities and technical aspects of the graft material. Strict control of cardiovascular risk factors will greatly contribute to re ducing the risk of late-occlusive events by slowing or halting the evolutio n of the atherosclerotic process.