Superficial venous arterialization with the great saphenous vein in situ: a single-center experience

Background  Arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot is a technique indicated in cases of critical lower limb ischemia that do not have a distal bed that is adequate to enable conventional treatment such as revascularization, angioplasty, or clinical treatment.

Objectives  The purpose of this study is to present the result of arterialization of the venous arch of the foot in 16 patients who underwent treatment with this technique.

Methods  This is a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive analytical study based on a review of the medical records of 16 patients who underwent arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot for limb salvage from January 2016 to January 2021.

Results  Four (25%) of the 16 patients who underwent arterialization of the venous arch of the foot underwent a major amputation during the same hospital stay and one patient (6.25%) had a major amputation within 6 months. The other 11 patients (68.75%) had their limbs preserved, with 10 undergoing minor amputations (toes and forefoot) and one patient having no additional procedures.

Conclusions  We conclude that the technique of arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot should be considered in selected cases. It is a valid alternative for limb salvage when conventional treatment is impossible.

Keywords:
critical ischemia; limb preservation; limb salvation; arterialization of the venous arch of the foot