Outcomes with plantar bypass for limb-threatening ischemia

Patients with severely diseased or occluded infrageniculate arteries, limit ed runoff, and tissue loss may often present for primary amputation. In thi s study, we review our experience with plantar artery revascularization whe n no other bypass options are feasible. All patients requiring infrainguina l bypass to the plantar artery level over the last 3 years were prospective ly entered into our vascular surgery database. Indications, demographics, l ength of stay (LOS), outcome, and patency were reviewed. Our results showed that plantar artery bypass is a safe and reasonable alternative to primary amputation. Excellent limb salvage can be achieved if the bypass remains p atent through the initial 30 days postoperatively.