Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) vs. Polyester (Dacron®) Grafts in Critical Limb Ischemia Salvage

Abstract

Patients with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft had a higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (<i>p</i> = 0.01), stage III LF (70.41% vs. 55.29%), <i>p</i> = 0.03), and a lower incidence of stage IV LF (29.95% vs. 44.71%, <i>p</i> = 0.03). As for complications, the PTFE group showed a lower incidence of bypass thrombosis (29.59% vs. 44.71%; <i>p</i> = 0.03) and graft infection (9.18% vs. 21.18%; <i>p</i> = 0.02), but no statistical significance in the event of bleeding (<i>p</i> = 0.40). Regarding the outcomes, no statistical significance was seen for below-the-knee amputations or death. However, the PTFE group had a lower incidence of above-the-knee amputations (11.22% vs. 24.71%; <i>p</i> = 0.01). At multivariate analysis, the PTFE graft is an independent predictor of primary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months (OR: 2.15, <i>p</i> = 0.02; OR: 1.84, <i>p</i> = 0.04; and OR: 1.89, <i>p</i> = 0.03), as well as a protective factor against bypass thrombosis (OR: 0.52; <i>p</i> = 0.03), graft infection (OR: 0.37; <i>p</i> = 0.02), and above-the-knee amputation (OR: 0.38; <i>p</i> = 0.01).; Conclusions: According to this study's findings, there were minor differences regarding the long-term patency, bypass thrombosis, graft infections, and above-the-knee amputations. In addition, the PTFE graft group had a higher incidence of primary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months, as well as a lower incidence of bypass thrombosis, graft infection, and above-the-knee amputations.