Combined arterial dilatation and femorofemoral bypass for limb salvage

The management of two patients with advanced unilateral ischemia of the leg associated with occlusion of the iliac artery on the symptomatic side and significant stenosis of the iliac artery contralaterally is described. Both patients had severe associated disease processes which precluded direct aortofemoral arterial reconstruction. Limb salvage was accomplished in each patient using percutaneous transluminal dilatation of the stenotic contralateral iliac artery, followed by construction of a femorofemoral bypass. Both patients were relieved of ischemic symptoms of the limb to the present time, 14 and 18 months, respectively, after operation.