The heparin-bonded ePTFE grafts in revascularisation of the lower limbs

Abstract

The critical limb ischemia is diagnosed when the rest pain and/or distal necrosis or ishemic ulceration occur and last for more than two weeks. Critical limb ischemia requires immediate revascularisation due to the risk of amputation. The most common cause of this state is the arteriosclerosis located on femoropopliteal level. The surgery consists of endarterectomy or implantation of the bypass graft or the percutaneous, intravascular procedure. The best material for the graft is the autologous saphenous vein but sometimes the artificial graft should be used. Some trials have proven that the heparin-bonded polytetrafluoroethylene graft could be the best resolution for patients without possibilities of use of the autologous vein.