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Objective: Duplex ultrasound surveillance (DUS) is commonly used following infrainguinal vein bypass. The role of DUS following endovascular revascularisation is as yet unclear. This study focuses on the role of DUS in a contemporary group of patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass or stent insertion. Methods: All patients undergoing either an infrainguinal vein graft bypass or stent insertion into the femoro-popliteal segment (November 2014 - January 2017) were identified. Patients were followed up for 2 years. Data on entry into DUS, pre-operative characteristics, adjunctive pharmacotherapy and reintervention were collated. The primary outcomes were major lower limb amputation and mortality at 2 years post revascularisation. Results: One hundred and thirty-five patients underwent infrainguinal vein bypass and 100 patients underwent stent insertion. 107 patients in the bypass cohort and 58 patients in the stent cohort entered DUS. For the bypass cohort, entering DUS was associated with a lower mortality rate (P =.003) but was not associated with an improvement in amputation rates. The odds ratio of major amputation or mortality was greater in the no surveillance group (4.58, 95% CI: 1.855 – 11.364). In the stent cohort, DUS was not associated with a significant improvement in either major amputation or death (odds ratio 2.13 (95% CI 0.903 – 5.051; P =.081). Conclusion: DUS was associated with improved survival rates in patients undergoing lower limb bypass but had no benefit in those patients undergoing stent insertion. The role of DUS following stent insertion in the femoropopliteal segment needs to be better defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bypass surgery for limb salvage in cases of chronic limb ischemia is a well-established treatment modality. Use of an autogenous vein provides the best conduit for infrainguinal arterial bypass procedures, particularly for bypass to the infrapopliteal arteries. In this article, we discuss infrainguinal vein bypass surgery including indications, perioperative care, and long-term follow up. We also discuss the outcomes of the procedure with regard to patient survival and limb salvage. The autogenous vein continues to be the best available conduit with the highest patency rate and the best treatment option. Compared to all other revascularization options for infrainguinal disease, the vein bypass has the best limb salvage and long-term survival in patients appropriately selected for the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]