Long-term results of femoro-popliteal/tibial bypasses with special references to re-operation in former femoro-popliteal procedures.

Since 1962 a total of 1,361 femoro-popliteal/tibial reconstructions have been performed and followed up. In addition to the saphenous vein, Dacron, PTFE, and umbilical vein grafts were used. The following long-term results were achieved: The saphenous vein grafts have a patency of 73.6% after 10 years and of 52.2% after 17 years. Cumulative patency rate for the PTFE grafts were 76.4% after 39 months with above knee and 62.2% after 2 years with below knee reconstructions. After 12 months 85.7% of the umbilical vein grafts were functioning.