First experience of a novel femorocrural expanded polytetrafluoroethylene bypass graft.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate early results of a precuffed expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Distaflo® Mini-Cuff Bypass Graft versus autologous saphenous vein (ASV) grafting in patients with peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD).

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study analyzed 42 patients who received a femorocrural bypass graft because of PAOD using an ASV graft (n = 28) or Distaflo Mini-Cuff graft (n = 14).

RESULTS

Primary patency rates in the ASV and Distaflo Mini-Cuff groups were 81% and 69%, respectively, after 6 months. Secondary patency rates were 81% and 35%, respectively, after 12 months. The limb salvage rate was 81% in the ASV group vs 65% and 35%, respectively, in the Distaflo Mini-Cuff group after 6 months and 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

The ePTFE Distaflo Mini-Cuff is an option for revascularization in the absence of a suitable ASV. However, the performance of this novel graft is not better than that of current ePTFE bypass grafts.