Superficial femoral and popliteal arteries as inflow sites for distal bypasses

In a series of limb salvage bypasses to the popliteal and infrapopliteal arteries, the superficial femoral and poplital arteries were used preferentially to provide inflow if these vessels were no more than minimally diseased proximal to the site of bypass origin. Cumulative life-table patency rate at 6 years for popliteal bypasses was 66% for 290 cases originating from the common femoral and 81% for 60 cases originating from the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries (P > 0.1). Infrapopliteal bypass patency rate at 5 years was 50% for 129 cases originating from the common femoral artery and 58% for 79 cases originating more distally (P > 0.25). When vein grafts alone were considered, patency rates were still not influenced by the site of origin of popliteal and infrapopliteal bypasses. Only 1 of 32 failures of a bypass with a distal origin could have been caused by proximal progression of disease. Because of these findings and multiple advantages that result from using arteries distal to the common femoral for bypass inflow, preferential use of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries for this purpose is recommended in appropriately selected patients.