Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Upper Limb Chronic Ischaemia

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the results and complications of surgical arterial revascularisation of the upper limb for treatment of chronic ischaemia using infrabrachial bypass. Results of limb salvage and follow-up with graft patency are analysed.

Design

This study is a retrospective analysis of 23 patients affected by chronic upper limb ischaemia and treated by surgical bypass.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analysed 23 patients with upper limb ischaemia treated between January 1998 and January 2008, by means of bypass graft revascularisation. After surgical revascularisation, eight patients (35%) with digital gangrene underwent minor amputations during the same surgical session, or within the following few days. Postoperatively, patients were followed up at regular intervals of 1, 3 and 6months, and every 6months thereafter, both clinically and with a duplex ultrasound scan.

Results

The mean 34months’ follow-up was 96% complete. Life table analysis revealed a primary patency of 82.6% and secondary patency of 91.3%. Limb salvage was 100%.

During the follow-up period, four patients sustained graft occlusion and, of these, two underwent re-do revascularisation with success.

Conclusions

We believe upper limb bypass surgery represents a valid treatment in this clinical setting, both for limb salvage and for relief of symptoms.