Protocolo y algoritmo de diagnóstico, tratamiento y derivación ágil de las úlceras de la extremidad inferior / Protocol and algorithm for diagnosis, treatment and early referral of lower limb ulcers

Las úlceras venosas son una patología muy prevalente, especialmente en pacientes de edad avanzada. repercutennegativamente en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y conllevan un importante consumo de recursos. este artículopropone un práctico algoritmo para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las úlceras en la pierna con el objetivo deoptimizar su manejo. existe una amplia literatura sobre el tema, pero sigue existiendo una brecha entre la evidenciacientífi ca y la práctica clínica que seguimos tratando de minimizar. Laboratorios Urgo propuso al Capítulo español de Flebología y Linfología la creación de un comité de expertos deespaña y portugal para la elaboración de un algoritmo de diagnóstico, tratamiento y derivación ágil de las úlcerasen la extremidad inferior. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática y se tuvieron en cuenta las guías depráctica clínica (GpC). Se diseñó un algoritmo sobre una regla nemotécnica alfabética que busca ayudar a memorizar los pasos clave deldiagnóstico y del tratamiento de estas úlceras. Se englobaron todos los aspectos prácticos, desde la valoración en atención primaria por médicos y enfermerashasta la atención especializada por el especialista en angiología y cirugía vascular. Con las letras del abecedario dela a hasta la F, resumimos los pasos necesarios para asegurar el diagnóstico de la úlcera, el mejor (best) tratamientolocal, terapia compresiva, tratamiento preventivo de recidiva después de la cicatrización de la úlcera y estrategiaquirúrgica y farmacológica.el diagnóstico preciso, la actuación correcta ajustada a las GpC y la derivación temprana para valorar estrategiasquirúrgicas o escleroterapia contribuyen a la resolución y a la reducción del tiempo de cicatrización de las úlcerasy la mejora de la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Seguir las GpC a través de un algoritmo reduce el consumo derecursos y de gasto, acelerando la cicatrización de la úlcera y previniendo su recidiva.(AU)

Venous ulcers are a prevalent disease, especially in elderly patients. they have a negative impact in patients’ qualityof life and carry a significant economic burden. this article suggests an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment oflower extremity ulcers in order to optimize their management. there is huge evidence and multiple organizationshave published guidelines, consensus documents and treatment recommendations. nevertheless, there is still agap between evidence and clinical practice. Urgo Laboratories proposed the Spanish phlebology and Lymphology Chapter the creation of a Spanish andportuguese experts committee the elaboration of an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment and early referral oflower extremity ulcers. a systematic review was performed, considering the current clinical practice guidelines. the algorithm was designed on a simple alphabetic mnemonic rule aiming to easily memorize the key points andmost relevant issues of the diagnosis and treatment of these ulcers.all necessary steps from primary care nurses and physicians to Vascular Surgery were considered. With the alphabetletters from a to F in Spanish, all key points were summed up. to confirm ulcer diagnosis (asegurar el diagnóstico dela úlcera), best local treatment, compressive therapy, preventive treatment after healing (tratamiento preventivo derecidiva después de la cicatrización de la úlcera), surgical strategy (estrategia quirúrgica) and pharmacological strategy(estrategia farmacológica).an accurate diagnosis, a clinical practice according to the clinical practice guidelines and an early referral to thespecialist in order to determine if there is a surgical or interventional strategy are essential to effective resolutionand reduction of ulcer healing time, and finally to prevent its recurrence.(AU)

Spanish Clinical Guidelines on Vascular Access for Haemodialysis. / Guía Clínica Española del Acceso Vascular para Hemodiálisis.

Vascular access for haemodialysis is key in renal patients both due to its associated morbidity and mortality and due to its impact on quality of life. The process, from the creation and maintenance of vascular access to the treatment of its complications, represents a challenge when it comes to decision-making, due to the complexity of the existing disease and the diversity of the specialities involved. With a view to finding a common approach, the Spanish Multidisciplinary Group on Vascular Access (GEMAV), which includes experts from the five scientific societies involved (nephrology [S.E.N.], vascular surgery [SEACV], vascular and interventional radiology [SERAM-SERVEI], infectious diseases [SEIMC] and nephrology nursing [SEDEN]), along with the methodological support of the Cochrane Center, has updated the Guidelines on Vascular Access for Haemodialysis, published in 2005. These guidelines maintain a similar structure, in that they review the evidence without compromising the educational aspects. However, on one hand, they provide an update to methodology development following the guidelines of the GRADE system in order to translate this systematic review of evidence into recommendations that facilitate decision-making in routine clinical practice, and, on the other hand, the guidelines establish quality indicators which make it possible to monitor the quality of healthcare.

Guía Clínica Española del Acceso Vascular para Hemodiálisis / Spanish Clinical Guidelines on Vascular Access for Haemodialysis

El acceso vascular para hemodiálisis es esencial para el enfermo renal tanto por su morbimortalidad asociada como por su repercusión en la calidad de vida. El proceso que va desde la creación y mantenimiento del acceso vascular hasta el tratamiento de sus complicaciones constituye un reto para la toma de decisiones debido a la complejidad de la patología existente y a la diversidad de especialidades involucradas. Con el fin de conseguir un abordaje consensuado, el Grupo Español Multidisciplinar del Acceso Vascular (GEMAV), que incluye expertos de las cinco sociedades científicas implicadas (nefrología [S.E.N.], cirugía vascular [SEACV], radiología vascular e intervencionista [SERAM-SERVEI], enfermedades infecciosas [SEIMC] y enfermería nefrológica [SEDEN]), con el soporte metodológico del Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano, ha realizado una actualización de la Guía del Acceso Vascular para Hemodiálisis publicada en 2005. Esta guía mantiene una estructura similar, revisando la evidencia sin renunciar a la vertiente docente, pero se aportan como novedades, por un lado, la metodología en su elaboración, siguiendo las directrices del sistema GRADE con el objetivo de traducir esta revisión sistemática de la evidencia en recomendaciones que faciliten la toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica habitual y, por otro, el establecimiento de indicadores de calidad que permitan monitorizar la calidad asistencial (AU)

Vascular access for haemodialysis is key in renal patients both due to its associated morbidity and mortality and due to its impact on quality of life. The process, from the creation and maintenance of vascular access to the treatment of its complications, represents a challenge when it comes to decision-making, due to the complexity of the existing disease and the diversity of the specialities involved. With a view to finding a common approach, the Spanish Multidisciplinary Group on Vascular Access (GEMAV), which includes experts from the five scientific societies involved (nephrology [S.E.N.], vascular surgery [SEACV], vascular and interventional radiology [SERAM-SERVEI], infectious diseases [SEIMC] and nephrology nursing [SEDEN]), along with the methodological support of the Cochrane Center, has updated the Guidelines on Vascular Access for Haemodialysis, published in 2005. These guidelines maintain a similar structure, in that they review the evidence without compromising the educational aspects. However, on one hand, they provide an update to methodology development following the guidelines of the GRADE system in order to translate this systematic review of evidence into recommendations that facilitate decision-making in routine clinical practice, and, on the other hand, the guidelines establish quality indicators which make it possible to monitor the quality of healthcare (AU)

Genetic polymorphisms influence on the response to clopidogrel in peripheral artery disease patients following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

AIM: To study the association of ABCB1 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms and the clopidogrel response in Spanish peripheral artery disease patients following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and to perform a meta-analysis. MATERIALS & METHODS: 72 patients were recruited and 122 patients included in the meta-analysis. We evaluated the effect of ABCB1 3435 C>T, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 and primary end point (restenosis/occlusion of the treated lesions) during 12 months after PTA. RESULTS: CYP2C19*2 and/or ABCB1 TT patients were associated with primary end point (OR: 5.00; 95% CI: 1.75-14.27). The meta-analysis confirmed the association of CYP2C19*2 and new atherothrombotic ischemic events (OR: 5.40; 95% CI: 2.30-12.70). CONCLUSION: The CYP2C19 and ABCB1 polymorphisms could be genetic markers of cardiovascular events in peripheral artery disease patients following PTA treated with clopidogrel.

Prevalencia y características clínicas de la enfermedad venosa crónica en pacientes atendidos en Atención Primaria en España: resultados del estudio internacional Vein Consult Program / Prevalence and clinical characteristics of chronic venous disease in patients seen in primary care in Spain: Results of the international study Vein Consult Program

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de la enfermedad venosa crónica (EVC), sus características clínicas y la conducta terapéutica ante estos pacientes en Atención Primaria. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en España por 999 médicos de Atención Primaria que debían reclutar a 20 pacientes consecutivos que acudieran a su consulta, de forma programada, por cualquier motivo. Se recogieron datos demográficos, factores de riesgo y datos clínicos de la ECV, exploración física que permitiera su categorización de acuerdo con la clasificación Clínica-Etiología-Anatomía-Patofisiología (CEAP), y la atención terapéutica recomendada. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 19.800 pacientes con una edad media ± desviación estándar de 53,7 ± 20) años y con predominio de mujeres (63%). La prevalencia de EVC (categorías CEAP C1 a C6) fue del 48,5% (IC del 95%, 47,8 a 49,2), significativamente superior en mujeres (58,5%; IC del 95%, 57,6 a 59,4) respecto de los hombres (32,1%; IC del 95%, 31,0 a 33,1). La ECV era más prevalente y avanzada según se incrementaba la edad de los pacientes. En el 59% de los pacientes se consideró necesario instaurar algún tratamiento, siendo más frecuente en mujeres que en hombres (72% vs. 39%, p < 0,0001). La recomendación de escleroterapia, ablación endotérmica o cirugía constituyó el 4% de todas las recomendaciones, y en un 7% se consideró necesaria la derivación al especialista. CONCLUSIONES: La EVC es altamente prevalente en pacientes atendidos en Atención Primaria en España, especialmente en mujeres y en edades más avanzadas. La derivación al especialista o la utilización de los tratamientos más invasivos es infrecuente

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and management of chronic venous disease (CVD) in patients seen at primary care clinics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried-out in Spain by 999 primary care physicians. They recruited 20 consecutive patients who were attending their clinics for any reason except for a medical emergency. The following Information was collected: demographic data, CVD risk factors, physical examination, clinical characteristics of the CVD and how it was managed. RESULTS: 19,800 patients were included, predominantly women (63%), with a mean age of 53.7 ± 20 years. The prevalence of CVD (CEAP categories C1 to C6) was 48.5% (95% CI, 47.8 to 49.2), significantly higher in women (58.5%; 95% CI, 57.6 to 59.4) than in men (32.1%; 95% CI, 31.0 to 33.1). The greater the age the higher the prevalence and the more advanced the CVD. Ninety-nine percent of the patients required some form of treatment, with a greater proportion among women (72% vs. 39%, P<.0001). Sclerotherapy, endothermal ablation or surgery was required by 4% of the patients. Referral to the specialist was considered for 7% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Chronic venous disease is highly prevalent among patients seen at primary care clinics in Spain, especially in women and elderly patients. Referral to a specialist and/or the use of the more invasive treatment procedures is uncommon

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of chronic venous disease in patients seen in primary care in Spain: results of the international study Vein Consult Program.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and management of chronic venous disease (CVD) in patients seen at primary care clinics PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried-out in Spain by 999 primary care physicians. They recruited 20 consecutive patients who were attending their clinics for any reason except for a medical emergency. The following Information was collected: demographic data, CVD risk factors, physical examination, clinical characteristics of the CVD and how it was managed. RESULTS: 19,800 patients were included, predominantly women (63%), with a mean age of 53.7 ± 20 years. The prevalence of CVD (CEAP categories C1 to C6) was 48.5% (95% CI, 47.8 to 49.2), significantly higher in women (58.5%; 95% CI, 57.6 to 59.4) than in men (32.1%; 95% CI, 31.0 to 33.1). The greater the age the higher the prevalence and the more advanced the CVD. Ninety-nine percent of the patients required some form of treatment, with a greater proportion among women (72% vs. 39%, P<.0001). Sclerotherapy, endothermal ablation or surgery was required by 4% of the patients. Referral to the specialist was considered for 7% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Chronic venous disease is highly prevalent among patients seen at primary care clinics in Spain, especially in women and elderly patients. Referral to a specialist and/or the use of the more invasive treatment procedures is uncommon.

Prevalencia de obesidad infantil y juvenil en España en 2012 / Prevalence of child and youth obesity in Spain in 2012

Introducción y objetivos. La obesidad es un importante factor de riesgo cardiovascular. En España son pocos los estudios que hayan realizado una medición física del peso y la estatura para estimar la magnitud del problema. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de obesidad infantil y juvenil en España en 2012. Métodos. Estudio transversal sobre una muestra probabilística, representativa de la población española, de 978 niños entre los 8 y los 17 años. Se midió objetivamente el peso y la estatura del menor, junto con otras variables sociodemográficas. Se calcularon las prevalencias de sobrepeso y obesidad siguiendo criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, la International Obesity Task Force y el estudio español enKid. Resultados. En el grupo de edad de 8 a 17 años, en 2012 la prevalencia de sobrepeso es del 26% y la de obesidad, del 12,6%; 4 de cada 10 jóvenes sufren exceso de peso. En el grupo comprendido entre los 8 y los 13 años, el exceso de peso supera el 45%, mientras que para el grupo de 14 a 17 años, el exceso de peso es del 25,5%. Este factor de riesgo cardiovascular aparece asociado a las clases sociales más desfavorecidas y con menos estudios. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad infantil y juvenil en España sigue siendo muy alta (cercana al 40%), pero no ha crecido en los últimos 12 años (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Obesity is a major cardiovascular risk factor. In Spain, few studies have physically measured height and weight to estimate the magnitude of the problem. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of child and adolescent obesity in Spain in 2012. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional probability sample of 1018 children, representative of the Spanish population aged between 8 and 17 years old, with objectively measured height and weight, along with other sociodemographic variables. We calculated the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to the criteria of the World Health Organization, the International Obesity Task Force, and the enKid study. Results. In the group aged 8 to 17 years old, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26% and 12.6%, respectively; 4 in 10 young people were overweight or obese. Excess weight was found in 45% of the group aged 8 to 13 years and in 25.5% of that aged 14 to 17 years. This cardiovascular risk factor was associated with lower social class and lower educational level. Conclusions. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Spain remains high (close to 40%), but has not increased in the last 12 years (AU)

Prevalence of child and youth obesity in Spain in 2012.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a major cardiovascular risk factor. In Spain, few studies have physically measured height and weight to estimate the magnitude of the problem. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of child and adolescent obesity in Spain in 2012. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional probability sample of 1018 children, representative of the Spanish population aged between 8 and 17 years old, with objectively measured height and weight, along with other sociodemographic variables. We calculated the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to the criteria of the World Health Organization, the International Obesity Task Force, and the enKid study. RESULTS: In the group aged 8 to 17 years old, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26% and 12.6%, respectively; 4 in 10 young people were overweight or obese. Excess weight was found in 45% of the group aged 8 to 13 years and in 25.5% of that aged 14 to 17 years. This cardiovascular risk factor was associated with lower social class and lower educational level. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents in Spain remains high (close to 40%), but has not increased in the last 12 years.

Criterios de derivación entre niveles asistenciales de pacientes con patología vascular. Documento de consenso semFYC-SEACV / Criteria for between-care-level referrals of patients with vascular disease. semFYC-SEACV consensus document

La Sociedad Española de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria (semFYC) y la Sociedad Española de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular (SEACV) han elaborado, mediante un grupo de trabajo conjunto, un documento de derivación entre niveles asistenciales de los pacientes con las principales patologías vasculares: enfermedad arterial periférica, insuficiencia venosa y pie diabético. Se han definido las responsabilidades y habilidades requeridas de cada nivel asistencial y también los criterios de derivación mutua, así como los de priorización. La elaboración de este documento consensuado pretende aportar una herramienta eficiente que asegure la continuidad en la asistencia sanitaria, respetando siempre las particularidades y necesidades específicas de cada zona sanitaria(AU)

The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) and the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SEACV), through a Joint Working Group, have prepared a document on between care-level referrals of patients with the main vascular diseases; peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, and diabetic foot. The responsibilities and skills required at each care level have been defined, as well as the criteria for mutual referral and how to prioritise them. The preparation of this consensus document attempt to provide an efficient tool that may ensure the continuity of health care, always respecting the specific characteristics and needs of each health care area(AU)

Criterios de derivación entre niveles asistenciales de pacientes con enfermedad vascular. Documento de consenso SEMFYC-SEACV. Resumen ejecutivo / Criteria for referral between levels of care of patients with peripheral vascular disease. SEMFYC-SEACV consensus document

La coordinación entre niveles asistenciales constituye un elemento esencial para incrementar la eficiencia del sistema sanitario; en este sentido, la enfermedad vascular ocupa un lugar destacado por incluir entidades frecuentes, graves y vulnerables. Los documentos de consenso constituyen una herramienta fundamental para conseguir este objetivo. Este documento no pretende sustituir a las guías clínicas, sino que trata de establecer las bases del manejo compartido del paciente con enfermedad vascular (enfermedad arterial periférica, pie diabético e insuficiencia venosa crónica) en tres aspectos: determinar el perfil del paciente cuyo seguimiento ha de ser realizado de forma prioritaria en cada nivel; establecer las competencias que debe asumir cada profesional, y fijar y priorizar los criterios de derivación en ambos sentidos(AU)

Coordination between care levels is essential to increase the efficiency of the Health System; vascular disease has an important role in this respects, as it includes frequent, serious and vulnerable conditions. Consensus documents are an essential tool to obtain these aims. This document is not expected to replace the Clinical Guidelines, but tries to establish the basis of the shared management of the patient with vascular disease (peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot, and chronic venous insufficiency) in three ways: to determine the profile of the patient who should receive priority follow-up at every level; to establish the skills that every professional must have, and to set and to prioritise the referral criteria in both directions(AU)

[Criteria for referral between levels of care of patients with peripheral vascular disease. SEMFYC-SEACV consensus document]. / Criterios de derivación entre niveles asistenciales de pacientes con enfermedad vascular. Documento de consenso SEMFYC-SEACV. Resumen ejecutivo.

Coordination between care levels is essential to increase the efficiency of the Health System; vascular disease has an important role in this respects, as it includes frequent, serious and vulnerable conditions. Consensus documents are an essential tool to obtain these aims. This document is not expected to replace the Clinical Guidelines, but tries to establish the basis of the shared management of the patient with vascular disease (peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot, and chronic venous insufficiency) in three ways: to determine the profile of the patient who should receive priority follow-up at every level; to establish the skills that every professional must have, and to set and to prioritise the referral criteria in both directions.

[Criteria for between-care-level referrals of patients with vascular disease. semFYC-SEACV consensus document]. / Criterios de derivación entre niveles asistenciales de pacientes con patología vascular. Documento de consenso semFYC-SEACV.

The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) and the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SEACV), through a Joint Working Group, have prepared a document on between care-level referrals of patients with the main vascular diseases; peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, and diabetic foot. The responsibilities and skills required at each care level have been defined, as well as the criteria for mutual referral and how to prioritise them. The preparation of this consensus document attempt to provide an efficient tool that may ensure the continuity of health care, always respecting the specific characteristics and needs of each health care area.

Sensibilidad, especificidad y fiabilidad de la ecografía Doppler arterial en el diagnóstico de la isquemia crítica de los miembros inferiores con relación a la arteriografía / The sensitivity, specificity and reliability of arterial Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of critical ischaemia of the lower limbs compared to arteriography

Introducción. La arteriografía sigue considerándose como el patrón estándar en el diagnóstico de la isquemia crítica. Sin embargo, puede ocasionar daños arteriales locorregionales, así como cuadros alérgicos y nefrotoxicidad; además, no valora hemodinámicamente las lesiones. La ecografía Doppler arterial (EDA) ha demostrado validez y fiabilidad en miembros inferiores y troncos supraaórticos, pero es necesaria una validación individual y del laboratorio, por ser una técnica dependiente del explorador. Objetivo. Analizar y validar la EDA como prueba diagnóstica en pacientes con isquemia crítica, en comparación con la arteriografía. Pacientes y métodos. Diseño transversal y aleatorio, con EDA aplicada de forma ciega e independiente con respecto a la arteriografía, en una muestra de 60 pacientes con isquemia crítica de miembros inferiores en estudio preoperatorio. La fiabilidad se determina mediante el porcentaje de acuerdo global e índice kappa. La validez se determina por la sensibilidad, especificidad, valores pronósticos positivos (VPP) y razón de probabilidad diagnóstica (RPD). Resultados. Tiempo medio de exploración por extremidad: 39 min. Índices kappa buenos o muy buenos en todos los sectores, salvo en la arteria peronea (moderada). Alta sensibilidad en territorios proximales. Especificidad por encima del 90%, excepto en la arteria peronea (88%). VPP siempre superior al 90%. Altos valores de RPD. Conclusión. La EDA, a tenor de los resultados obtenidos en nuestro laboratorio, es una prueba diagnóstica muy útil como alternativa a la arteriografía, ya que su fiabilidad es buena o muy buena y su validez, en términos de sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP y RPD, es muy alta. No obstante, en el sector distal, con especial atención sobre la arteria peronea, resulta necesaria en todo caso otra prueba de imagen antes de sentar una indicación quirúrgica

Introduction. Arteriography is still considered to be the gold standard in the diagnosis of critical ischaemia. Nevertheless, it can cause locoregional arterial damage, as well as allergic reactions and nephrotoxicity, and it does not evaluate the lesions haemodynamically. Arterial Doppler ultrasonography (ADU) has proved to be valid and reliable in the lower limbs and supra-aortic trunks but, because it is an examiner-dependent technique, individual and laboratory validation of findings is required. Aim. To analyse and validate ADU as a diagnostic test in patients with critical ischaemia, as compared to arteriography. Patients and methods. A cross-sectional random design, with ADU applied blind and independently with respect to arteriography conducted in a sample of 60 patients with critical lower limb ischemia undergoing their preoperative study. Reliability is determined by means of the percentage of overall agreement and the kappa index. Validity is determined by the sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value (PPV) and diagnostic likelihood ratio (DLR). Results. Mean examination time per limb: 39 min. Good or very good kappa indexes in all sectors, except in the fibular artery (moderate). Highly sensitive in proximal territories. Specificity above 90%, except in the fibular artery (88%). PPV always above 90%. High DLR values. Conclusions. In the light of the results obtained in our laboratory, ADU can be considered to be a diagnostic test that is very useful as an alternative to arteriography, since its reliability is good or very good and its validity, in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and DLR, is very high. Yet, in the distal sector, with special attention to the fibular artery, another imaging test must always be carried out before setting an indication for surgery

Revascularización infragenicular con aloinjerto arterial criopreservado / Below-the-knee revascularisation with a cryopreserved arterial allograft

Objetivo. Valorar los resultados preliminares obtenidos en nuestro servicio en revascularización infragenicular con aloinjerto arterial criopreservado (AAC) en caso de ausencia de injerto autólogo. Pacientes y métodos. Entre junio de 2001 y agosto de 2005, realizamos ocho procedimientos en ocho pacientes (dos mujeres y seis varones) con una edad media de 73 años (rango: 55-82 años). En dos casos los injertos fueron compuestos AAC-segmento venoso residual. En otros dos casos se emplearon dos AAC. Las indicaciones para intervenir fueron isquemia crítica (siete) e infección protésica (uno). En cinco casos había al menos una revascularización previa. Los AAC se obtuvieron de donante cadáver. La anastomosis distal se realizó sobre poplítea (dos), arteria tibial (cinco) o arteria perimaleolar (uno). En todos los casos se descartó la existencia de segmento venoso autólogo suficiente mediante eco-Doppler. El seguimiento fue clínico y ecográfico. Resultados. Durante el primer mes se produjeron una rotura de AAC y una trombosis precoz, ambas con reparación satisfactoria. Durante un seguimiento medio de 14 meses (rango: 1-46 meses), cuatro injertos sufrieron un fallo primario: dos trombosis, una estenosis y una degeneración aneurismática. Ello derivó en una amputación mayor, una trombectomía y una sustitución del injerto. La permeabilidad global fue del 75% (6/8) y la salvación de extremidad del 87,5% (7/8). Una paciente falleció a los cuatro y otro a los 46 meses, ambos con injerto permeable. Conclusión. A pesar de ser una serie pequeña, los AAC pueden ser una opción en las revascularizaciones infrageniculares en caso de ausencia de injerto autólogo suficiente para ésta

Aim. To assess our preliminary results of infrapopliteal bypass grafting performed with cryopreserved arterial allografts (CAA) in case of absence of alternate autologous veins. Patients and methods. Between June 2001 and August 2005, eight procedures were performed in eight patients (two female and six male), with a mean age of 73 years (range: 55-82 years). In two cases a composite CAA-residual vein bypass was realized. In another two cases two segments of CAA were used. Indications for operation were critical leg ischaemia in seven cases and infection in the other. In five cases, there was at least one previous revascularization on the same limb. CAA were obtained from cadaveric donors in a multidisciplinary organs explant program. Distal anastomosis was to the bellow knee popliteal artery in two cases, to a tibial artery in five cases and to a perimaleolar artery in one case. In all cases we searched for the existence of alternate autologous vein with Doppler scan. The surveillance was clinic and with Doppler scan. Results. During follow-up (mean: 14 months; range: 1-46 months), four grafts failed. These failures were two thrombosis, one stenosis and one aneurysmatic degradation. Due to this, a major amputation and a CAA-prosthetic replacement were performed. The global patency rate was 75% (6/8) and the limb salvage rate was 87.5% (7/8). One patient died at four month after procedure, with patent bypass. Conclusion. Even knowing that this is a small group of patients, we think CAA could be an option in infrapopliteal bypass surgery in case of absence of autologous vein