Isolated femoral profundoplasty with endarterectomized superficial femoral artery for limb salvage in the elderly

Abstract

Abstract Background This longitudinal observational study was designed to show that isolated profundoplasty to relieve a significant stenosis is a valid procedure for limb salvage in the elderly. Methods Twenty-seven patients with critical limb ischaemia underwent isolated profundoplasty using endarterectomized superficial femoral artery as an arterial patch. Nineteen patients were men. The mean age was 72 (range 65–79) years. All patients had rest pain with or without an ischaemic foot ulcer or pedal gangrene. Results There was no operative death or immediate operative failure. All 27 limbs were improved, with relief of rest pain, healing of ulcers and healing after minor foot amputations. The 27 patients underwent a mean of 30 (range 12–45) months of periodic observation in an outpatient clinic, either to the present time or until death. Two patients required late amputations and one a femorodistal bypass. Conclusion Isolated profundoplasty has a place in leg revascularization in the high-risk elderly patient. Endarterectomized superficial femoral artery as a patch has the advantages of almost universal availability and anatomical convenience.