Arterial Spasm Complicating Distal Vascular Bypass Procedures

Arterial spasm following bypasses to leg arteries is an unusual complication and may be responsible for early graft closure. We have encountered two such patients in whom spasm was recognized on routine intraoperative angiogram. Lysis of spasm was achieved by intraluminal injection of 60 mg of papaverine hydrochloride via the angiogram needle. To prevent the occurrence of such postreconstructive spasm, we advocate intraluminal injection of papaverine prior to routine intraoperative arteriography.