The high incidence of the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) determines the intensive development of the reconstructive surgery of the vessels of the lower extremities. The most commonly observed risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking. One third of the arterial occlusions occur in the aorto-iliac segment and the rest of them develop below the inguinal ligament. Setting of firm indications for operative treatment and selecting of postoperative regimen, as well as prediction of patency of bypasses would significantly improve, if more diagnostic criteria were used. Significant efforts are made in intraoperative assessment of results of revascularization procedures. Angiography, measurement of averaged flow, wave form [1-3], flow velocity [4,5], resistance [6-10] and impedance [11,12] were used.

Peripheral vascular resistance gained importance for the graft patency during the previous century. Ascer and other task groups [13,14] measure peripheral vascular resistance in accordance of Ohm law, but because it is linear vascular resistance, the results are not synonymous. Current technologies give opportunity for analysis of the condition of arteries below the site of measurement. Every periodical function for a time unit, i.e. the flow and pressure, could be subjected to developed by Fourier in 19th century harmonic analysis– fast Fourier transformation (FFT). Despite improvement of revascularization techniques, 5 to 10% of bypasses fail up to 30 days after reconstruction [15]. Walsh [16] discover that technical mistakes cause 25% of early thromboses. Patency of each reconstruction depends on combination of 3 different factors – surgical, hemodynamic and biological (diabetes, atherosclerosis [17], hypertension [18]). The surgical factors include the surgical technique (continuous or interrupted sewing technique, the graft material – vein, artery or synthetic material), the geometry of the anastomosis (form and size) and, last but not least, the surgeon’s skill and experience. The hemodynamic factor includes the anastomotic inflow, the run-off, characteristics of the flow (turbulent flow with stagnation, separation and recirculation) and the degree of stenosis. The hemodynamic success affects the whole extremity and therefore distal sites of observation are used. Quality of the run-off after surgical or endovascular revascularization has main significance for primary and secondary patency and limb salvation [19-22]. The size of the graft and its quality are also major determinants of the long-term success of intrainguinal reconstructions. The exact measurement of the internal venous diameter is difficult due to the different wall thickness and conical narrowing [23]. Wengerter et al. [24] demonstrate a model of increasing patency in venous grafts ranging from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm, and Idu et al. [25] consider only a venous graft diameter below 3.5 mm important for the development of stenoses. Recently, much attention is paid to the question of using reversed or non-reversed grafts, but there is no solid evidence for a longer patency in either technique [26]. The predominant opinion is that size and quality of vein are more critical than the condition of artery to which it is anastomosed. This study aims to assess the clinical significance of the graft size and the run-off arterial segment when arteries above the proximal anastomosis of the reconstruction are not diseased.

We compared retrospectively for two-year period the diameter, the length of the used vein and the intraoperative flowmetry data for all failed bypass grafts in the order of of their diagnostics in time (32 with thromboses of the graft and 21 with stenoses of the distal anastomosis) with the results for 54 patients with patent bypass grafts in the order the latter were made and that had been patent for at least 12 months. Patients with stenoses, who refused corrective procedures but later were found to have thrombosis were considered as patients with thrombosed bypass grafts. Only patients who attended their control examinations irregularly were excluded. Control examinations were performed regularly on monthly basis and included duplex ultrasonography and measurement of the ankle-brachial index. Patients with unstable haemodynamics, arrhythmia, and impaired diuresis were excluded from the study, due to contraindication for prostaglandin (PG) administration, as well as the patients who attended irregularly the control examinations for objective and subjective reasons and the patients who passed out. Risk factors include smoking (39% of the patients), diabetes mellitus (41%), hypertension (38%), ischaemic heart disease (31%), cerebro vascular disease (18%), Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (3%) and preliminary vascular reconstructions and amputations (46%). The diameter of the graft was measured at its narrowest part which in all cases was the area of the distal anastomosis and the length was measured after the completion of the bypass. Bypasses with a length over 40 cm (LVGs) – 40 of all are considered long, while those with a length less than 40 cm (SVGs) – 67 of all are considered short. Fiftyone of the reconstructions had a diameter less than 3.5 mm and 56 – over 3.5 mm. We estimated Minute Volume of Flow (MVF) below the distal anastomosis using ultrasound transit time flowmetry and the pressure before and after 5 minute local infusion of medicaments with vasodilatative properties (Prostavasine or Ilomedin). Pressure gauging needle was positioned through the graft or through venous branch at not more than 10 mm from the flow metering probe. We used Fourier analysis of records of data and calculations of amplitude ratios at 20 Hz frequency and length 20 sec. Alteration of ratios of amplitudes after local infusion of PG was calculated by the comparison of values obtained before and after administration of medicament. F0p/H1p is ratio of basic (F0) and first harmonic (H1) amplitudes of Fourier transformation for pressure (P) and F0q/H1q for flow (Q):

Y was used for ratio of amplitudes of pressure and flow before intragraft infusion of medicaments and (Y)_v after infusion. That way we calculated how much decreased the ratio of amplitudes after medicament administration [27].

The means and standard deviations were calculated. The Kruskal- Wallis test were used to compare variables before and after druginduced vasodilation in both groups of bypass grafts (patent and and failed); the level of significance was set at p = 0.0001.

In the postoperative period patients were followed by clinical examination, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) measurement and duplex ultra sound every month up to 1 year after operation. Criteria for high grade stenosis is accepted to be reduction of ABI and difference in velocities in two adjacent segments of inflow arteries, outflow arteries or the graft (V1/V2) over 2.5. These criteria were accepted as indication for control angiography. We compared the alteration of ratio of amplitudes in failed and patent for less than 1 year reconstructions and estimated ratio below 2 before and after medicamentous vasodilatation – Y/(Y)_v < 1.9 distributes the bypass in risk group (Figure 1). In failed reconstructions group, ratio of amplitudes of pressure and flow decreases less than 2 times, where 75% border is at 1.5 fold decrease. In patent grafts group this ratio is over 2 times, where 25% border is at 2.2 fold decrease – significant difference – KW-H (1.98) = 68.2401; p=0.00000. Decrease of these ratios over 2 times, suggests preserved distal arterial segment and respectively longer patency of bypass. Venous grafts with a length over 40 cm and a diameter less than 3.5 mm (<3.5-LVGs) have shorter patency (Figure 2) but the difference between failed and patent bypasses with a diameter over 3.5 mm and bigger length (>3.5-LVGs) is significant – 28% more with thrombosis (43%) or stenosis (21%). Bypasses with a diameter over 3.5 mm and a smaller length have the highest patency rate.

Figure 1: Significant difference between the two groups in the ratios of amplitudes of pressure and flow - KW-H(1,98) = 68.2401; p=0,00000

Figure 2: Comparison between failed and patent reconstructions with autovenous graft related to the diameter and length of the vein; (<3.5- less than 3.5 mm; >3.5- equal or above 3.5 mm.)

In their study, Tangelder et al. [28] emphasized the significance of 3 main factors for the thrombosis of intrainguinal reconstructions: length of bypass, arterial run-off and the material and diameter of the graft. Smaller length suggests a more preserved venous segment with an optimal distal diameter. Meyerson et al. [23] showed that diameter of graft smaller than 3.6 mm predicts impairment of patency and if established, a different alternative should be chosen

In a multi segmental spread of the disease, especially when the runoff arteries are partially involved, longer grafts are necessary [29], which accounts for the higher rate of the failure of bypasses with a bigger length over patent ones irrespective of their greater diameter (over 3.5 mm) by 28%. Grafts with diameter less than 3.5 mm and smaller length have 50% probability for patency at least 1 year, if constructed above relatively healthy arterial segment, while a graft with larger diameter and bigger length – 36%. Some studies have shown that poor run-off affects negatively the patency of infrainguinal reconstructions [30-32]. Patency of infrainguinal bypass and subsequent limb salvation depend crucially on the quality of the distal arterial segment. While assessing the run-off segment, we consider the decrease of intraoperatively obtained results of ratios of amplitudes of pressure and flow after prostaglandin infusion over 1.9-2 times predictive for longer patency of bypass. That conclusion, of course, represents the current state of the distal arterial segment because the spread and the progress of the disease cannot be predicted. We compared retrospectively the diameter, the length of the used vein and the run-off segment in 107 consecutively constructed infrainguinal autovenous bypasses. Only patients who were not regular at their control examinations were excluded. Control examinations were performed monthly and included duplex ultrasonography and measurement of the ankle-brachial index every month up to 1 year after operation. From the study patients with unstable haemodynamics, arrhythmia, and impaired diuresis were excluded,which were contraindicated for prostaglandin (PG) administration. We present a patient who was admitted with thrombosis of left popliteal artery (Figure 3). Thrombectomy of popliteal and anterior tibial artery was performed and subsequent P3- posterior tibial artery bypass. The vein had 3 mm diameters and 12 cm length. Decrease of ratios of amplitudes of pressure and flow after prostaglandin infusion for posterior tibial artery was 1.5 times and for the front tibial artery 1.4 times. 4 months later a stenosis of the distal anastomosis was diagnosed although the length was smaller. Another case presents patient with thrombosis of superficial femoral artery (Figure 4). Femoro-popliteal (P1) bypass was performed. The vein was 4 mm wide and 36 cm long. Decrease of ratios was 1.5 times. Six months later a stenosis of the distal anastomosis was diagnosed, although length is less than 40 cm and diameter is larger than 3.5 mm. Autovenous patch of the distal anastomosis was sutured. After eight months thrombosed popliteal artery was diagnosed, but the bypass is patent due to collateral flow which led to P3 segment prolongation. Decrease of the ratios of amplitude of pressure and flow of the rear tibial artery is 1.5 times and for the front artery 1.4. Seven months after that stenoses of the arteries below distal anastomosis was diagnosed.

Figure 3: Due to poor data from the flowmetry thorough postoperative follow up was performed. Stenoses of the distal anastomosis were detected, as well as of the peroneal and anterior tibial arteries, which were successfully dilatated 4 months after the reconstruction

Figure 4: Follow up angiographies of a reconstruction along with patch and bypass placement

Although that angiography of the distal arterial segment looks unsatisfying (Figure 5) in patient with lateral bypass of the tibia (P3 – anterior tibial) with diameter of the vein 4 mm and length 42 cm, decrease of the ratio of amplitudes is 2.2 times. Bypass was followed up patent for 14 months. Comparing values of pressure with those of flow before and after intragraft infusion of prostaglandin, we obtained significant difference between the failed and patent reconstruction groups. Decrease of ratios of amplitudes after infusion of vasodilatative medicament less than 2 times suggests impaired by the disease distal to the reconstruction arterial segment and shorter patency of reconstruction below inguinal ligaments. Best result are derived when a shorter and with larger diameter graft was used. This is achievable with one diseased arterial segment. When a shorter segment is impaired more frequently invasive procedures are recommended (i.e. PTA). The larger length of the venous graft is not a critical factor when distal arteries are not diseased, with preserved elasticity, for which testify the data of the intraoperative flowmetry below the distal anastomosis (Figure 5). Crucial to the longer patency is the estimation of the level of the distal anastomosis. The recipient artery should not be diseased. The size and the quality of the graft are also important, as well as the experience of the surgeon. The choice of a vein is very significant. When a good vein on the operated limb is absent, a graft from other limb is chosen, or when not available – a synthetic graft. When the length is not enough a hybrid method is an option – shorter graft and distal angioplasty. Invasive procedures do not improve the quality of the arteries – the effect is limited in time and similar reconstructions require accessory therapy and a closer follow-up (Figure 4). If low flow is observed after infrainguinal reconstructions especially if there is no increase of flow after prostaglandin administration, the reason should be found out and corrected (poor vein, stenosis or improper site of anastomosis, vein twist) to increase the out-flow [33]. Reconstructions that remain with low flow and small alteration of the ratios of amplitudes after medicament vasodilatation have greater risk of failing. These need medicament therapy and intensive postoperative follow-up, if operative correction was not possible. The long term patency of a reconstruction is provided by a good inflow, well processed and positioned graft, sufficient run-off arterial segment, and not least good surgical technique are significant for the longer patency of the infrainguinal reconstructions. We find that intraoperative flowmetry below the distal anastomosis has its value in defining errors immediately after the construction of the bypass, determine the postoperative maintenance therapy and monitoring of the bypass in the risk of thrombosis or stenosis.

Figure 5: Angiography of the distal arterial

Shorter grafts with diameter over 3.5 mm do not guarantee longer patency if distal anastomosis is constructed above diseased run-off segment. Use of short venous grafts is limited in wide spread of the occlusive disease and good quality of longer venous segment is uncertain. Hemodynamic assessment of blood flow below distal anastomosis defines the necessary vein lenght, that is why run-off segment has the most important significance for the patency of the infrainguinal autovenous reconstructions.