Occlusive Arterial Disease of the Extremities

Abstract

Occlusive arterial disease due to arteriosclerosis is a common disease and is not limited to the elderly. Operation is often indicated when the occlusion affects the extremities. Direct surgical procedures include endarterectomy with or without patch graft, bypass or replacement graft, and release of femoral artery compression with periarterial sympathectomy. Surgical sympathectomy is an excellent addition to direct artery operations and should be used when direct procedures cannot be performed.