SIGNIFICANCE OF ARTERIAL DEFECTS ON COMPLETION ARTERIOGRAMS FOLLOWINGINFRAINGUINAL BYPASSES

Intraluminal filling defects of the runoff arteries, which were transi ent in most cases, are frequently observed on completion arteriograms after crural arterial reconstructive procedures. However, the incidenc e, fate, and significance of these changes have yet to be clarified. C ompletion arteriograms of 108 bypasses were evaluated retrospectively. The incidence of intraluminal defects of runoff arteries was examined by measuring the internal diameter on completion arteriograms and its relationship to the distal anastomotic site, underlying disease, and time the artery was ischemic, and the results of intraoperative magnet ic flowmetry were analyzed. These changes were compared with those rev ealed by subsequent postoperative arteriography. The incidence of arte rial defects was 46% (50/108) and was higher in bypasses to more dista l arteries (P<0.0001) and Buerger's disease patients (P<0.0001). Ninet y percent (45/50) were transient. Postreconstructive flowmetry reflect ed the severity of intraluminal defects of runoff arteries; however, t he fates of these changes could not be predicted by use of completion arteriography or intraoperative magnetic flowmetry.