Comparison of preoperative standard angiography with preoperative balloon occlusion femoral angiography of the lower extremity

The use of saphenous vein in situ bypass for limb salvage has increased the need for adequate visualization of distal lower extremity vessels. Preoperative angiographic techniques are often inadequate, requiring multiple films, extensive patient manipulation, or excessive dye loads. Intraoperative prereconstructive angiography permits adequate distal vessel visualization, but at a significant waste of time and expense if no usable distal vessels are found. There is a need for a reliable means of preoperative angiography in patients being evaluated for saphenous vein in situ bypass. Preoperative balloon occlusion femoral angiography was compared to preoperative standard angiography of the lower extremity in 39 patients referred to the University of Minnesota for limb salvage. Balloon occlusion femoral angiography significantly improved the preoperative ability to visualize lower extremity vessels distal to the superficial femoral artery in this group of patients.