
922 Section XII • Vascular
STEP 2: PREOPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS
◆ The standard indication for reconstruction for occlusive disease is limb-threatening isch-
emia. This includes ischemic rest pain, ulceration, and gangrene. There are certain accepted
indications for bypass in the setting of severe claudication that prohibit gainful employment
or maintenance of the activities of daily living.
◆ The femoropopliteal in situ bypass is one of many open reconstructive options available to
the surgeon. In general, when the vein is to be used for limb salvage, it is customary to use
the below-knee popliteal segment. The above-knee segment may seem like an appropriate
target, but it is known to have a high rate of progression of disease. The in situ technique
offers the advantage of allowing the larger part of the saphenous to be placed on the larger
common femoral artery and the smaller section of vein to be placed on the smaller outfl ow
artery. The alternatives to this include a femoropopliteal bypass with vein that is reversed
and buried in an anatomic tunnel that follows the native superfi cial femoral and popliteal
arteries. A prosthetic infrageniculate (below the knee) graft is reserved for the individual
who has exhausted all autogenous (vein) options in the lower and upper extremities—
including the great and small (also known as the lesser or short) saphenous, as well as the
basilic and cephalic veins. Last, with the endovascular revolution, many catheter-based op-
tions are available, including a percutaneous bypass with covered stent grafts, an atherec-
tomy, or laser treatment, to name a few.
◆ Preoperative venous duplex (a grayscale B-mode ultrasound and doppler waveform analysis)
of the superfi cial veins is very helpful to determine the quality of the vein and to help
choose an operative plan. If the ultrasound can be arranged close to the bypass surgery date,
it is helpful to have the technician mark the course of the vein. Many operative suites have
an ultrasound available, and the vein can be marked before the leg is prepped. This may
help reduce the risk of a fl ap formation.
STEP 3: OPERATIVE STEPS
◆ The patient is placed in a supine position. For occlusive disease, it is a good rule to prepare
more than is needed. In general, both lower extremities should be draped in case further
vein is needed to complete a procedure. The fi rst incision is typically placed in the groin at
the level of the inguinal ligament. The great saphenous vein is identifi ed fi rst at the fossa
ovalis, below Scarpa’s fascia. The femoral sheath is then opened longitudinally to identify
the femoral vessels. The common femoral artery, superfi cial femoral artery (SFA), and pro-
funda femoris artery (PFA) should be isolated. The saphenous vein can then be isolated
either through a continuous incision that “unroofs” the entire vein or through a series of
“skip” incisions, also known as bridge incisions. A continuous incision allows maximal
visualization of all branches but can be associated with greater wound-healing and infection
risks. The bridge technique can heal better but has limited viewing of the vein, which may
result in either vein injury or inadequate ligation of all branches (see Figure 85-3). A third
alternative is a hybrid between a traditional vein harvest and an in situ harvest—an endo-
scopic vein harvest. Some institutions may have a designated individual with extensive
experience, such as a physician’s assistant who harvests for coronary artery bypass grafting.
This technique offers many advantages. There is one incision in the lower thigh that can be
used to harvest the vein to the saphenofemoral junction. The vein can then be placed in