Eversion Endarterectomy of the Proximal Superficial Femoral Artery: A Source of Inflow for Distal Bypass in Case of Hostile Groin

Background. In selected patients, eversion endarterectomy of the proximal superficial femoral artery can represent a valid inflow for a distal bypass to avoid a "hostile'' groin. Material and Methods. Patency rates and limb salvage rates were retrospectively analysed for 21 consecutive patients who underwent distal bypass for severe lower limb ischemia and in whom the proximal superficial femoral artery was reopened with an eversion endarterectomy. In all patients, this technique was used to avoid a hostile groin. Results. Five-year cumulative patency rates were 53% for femoropopliteal bypasses and 40% for femorotibial bypasses. Overall 5-y cumulative limb salvage was 72%. Conclusions. In case of hostile groin, eversion endarterectomy of the proximal superficial femoral artery is a valid solution to provide inflow for a distal bypass. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.