We report in this paper our experience and results in the surgical management of patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities, utilizing cryopreserved arterial allografts as a resort material.
Material and methods: The series includes 31 consecutive patients with critical ischemia of the lower extremities, who received a cryopreserved arterial allograft as a resort material, from January 2001 to December 2002. Average age was 72.2 +/- 8.8 years, 26 were male and among the risk factors 58 were heavy smokers, 45% had diagnosed some cardiac/coronary disease and 29% suffered of chronic bronchitis. Almost 80% of the allografts were implanted in the leg arteries, beyond the level of the popliteal trifurcation. Allografts were provided by the Tissue Bank of our Hospital.
Results: Mid term patency rates (36 months) was 36.5%; however, the limb salvage rates was 60% for the same period of time.
Conclusion: Limb salvage surgery of critical limb ischemia accomplished with cryopreserved arterial allografts provides acceptable results and should be taken in consideration as a resort alternative for the surgical management of these patients.