The Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Bifurcation Graft Limb Occlusions

Aortic bifurcation grafts remain among the most successful and durable procedures performed by vascular surgeons. Five-year patency rates in excess of 80% have been widely reported in grafts placed for aortoiliac occlusive disease (1, 2), with even higher patency rates reported in grafts placed for aneurysmal disease (3). However, thrombosis of an aortic graft limb represents the most common complication following reconstruction of the abdominal aorta (4). This chapter focuses on the incidence, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of graft limb thrombosis.