AN APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF THE PTFE GRAFT IN LOWER LIMB ARTERIAL RECONSTRUCTION

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Abstract
In the period between April 1977 and April 1981, 105 fernoropopliteal bypass grafts were performed for atherosclerotic occlusive arterial disease below the inguinal ligament. Forty-six of these were done using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the remaining 59 using autogenous saphenous vein. In April 1982 a retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of the PTFE graft was undertaken. Patency rates between the two groups were found to be comparable when disabling claudication was the indication for surgery. No difference in patency rates was found between the PTFE graft inserted above or below the knee irrespective of whether the graft was undertaken for claudication or limb salvage.