Are femoro-infrapopliteal bypasses worthwhile for limb salvage?

Abstract

1-- Femorotibial or peroneal bypasses are worthwhile for limb salvage even in aged patients but renal insufficiency requiring dialysis may justify primary amputation. 2-- If no vein can be used, prosthetic or composite bypasses should be performed because they are associated with a 41% limb salvage rate at 5 years. 3-- If thrombosis occurs, the increase of patency after re-operation is 12% in case of venous bypass and 6% in case of prosthetic bypass.