Prevention of Limb Loss in Critical Ischaemia by Arterialization of the Superficial Venous System: An Experimental Study in Dogs

The possibility of ischaemic limb salvage by arterializing the superficial venous system was examined in a canine study. The experiment was carried out on four healthy dogs in three stages. In the first stage, collateral circulation to the hind limb was abolished. In the second stage, all branches of the common femoral artery were ligated, which created a model of ischaemia incompatible with limb survival. Revascularization was achieved by anastomosing the valvulotomized long saphenous vein to the common femoral artery, proximal to its ligation. The dogs were monitored for 2 weeks. All limbs maintained tissue oxygenation similar to that of the control contralateral limb. In the third stage, the artery was ligated proximal to the femoro-saphenous anastomosis and the limb monitored for 7 hours. Acute loss of motor function of the limb resulted. In the present study, arterialization of the valvulotomized long saphenous vein prevented limb loss in critical ischaemia.