Carotid artery reconstruction for Takayasu's arteritis - The necessity of all-autogenous-vein graft policy and development of a new operation

Background. We have adopted an all-autogenous-vein-graft policy in carotid reconstruction for Takayasu arteritis, namely an ascendo-right carotid and right subclavian (axillary) arteries bypass using a pantaloon vein graft fo r patients all of whose arch branches are occluded, and an extra-anatomical bypass from the right subclavian artery for patients whose brachiocephalic artery is the only arch branch that remains patent. This report is to elab orate on these operations and to assess the long-term outcome. Methods. Six patients were operated on according to this policy; (5 women, 1 man, age range: 14 to 59 years (mean: 30). The indications for surgery we re severe cerebral ischaemia that significantly interfered with their daily lives. The pantaloon vein graft bypass was performed in four patients, and an extra-anatomical bypass in two. The specific management protocol to pre vent the "postbypass hyperperfusion syndrome" and cerebral oedema included a shunt procedure to the internal carotid artery using one limb of the pant aloon vein graft, induced hypotension just before the completion of the car otid reconstruction and the administration of a glycerine-fructose solution . Results. Cerebral ischaemic symptoms disappeared in all patients. All but o ne, who died of a ruptured thoraco-abdominal aneurysm on the 35(th) postope rative month, are living a normal life with a patent graft. No suture line complications have as yet been encountered (follow-up: 10 to 205 months, me an: 126 months). Conclusions. Carotid vein bypass for Takayasu arteritis, particularly, the pantaloon vein graft bypass is recommended for those of whom all aortic arc h branches are occluded, resulting in severe brain ischaemia. Perioperative blood pressure control is important for prevention of the hyperperfusion s yndrome.