The Use of a Diseased Native Artery as Conduit in a Composite Lower Limb Bypass

Abstract 

We describe the use of a diseased native superficial femoral artery as conduit in a 57-year-old diabetic female who presented with a mixed aetiology lower leg ulcer. She underwent a staged ilio-profunda and profunda to above knee popliteal bypass graft. Owing to the lack of a sufficient length of venous conduit, a segment of the diseased native superficial femoral artery was harvested and used as a conduit in a composite graft. A diseased native artery can be used as a conduit for bypass if a sufficient length of vein is not available at operation.

Keywords: Superficial femoral artery, Conduit, Bypass