Journal «Angiology and Vascular Surgery» • 

2001 • VOLUME 7 • №3

ARTERIOVENOUS ANASTOMOSES IN LOWER LIMBS: OCCURRENCE AND LOCALIZATION

V.M. Koshkin, V.P. Zimin

The occurrence and localization of arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) in lower limbs are poorly studied. The authors have detected AVAs practically in all 101 examined cadaver and amputated limbs regardless of the presence of cardiovascular pathology. There were bypasses between all major arteries and accompanying veins, being as numerous in leg as 20-25. AVA size ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 mm depending on the caliber of major vessel. Two levels of AVA localization can be defined: distal (middle and lower third of leg and foot) and diffuse (additional upper third of leg). The last type was present in 25% of cases. These results can be important for treatment planning aimed to resolve manifested arteriovenous shunting and correction of ischemia in patients with severe lower limb arterial insufficiency. Modification of current methods of surgical AVA correction (resection of posterior tibial veins) and development of new ones can be based on the obtained anatomic data. The system of AVAs must be considered in pathophysiological reasoning of different hemodynamic disturbances in lower limbs.

KEY WORDS: arteriovenous anastomoses, lower limb arterial insufficiency, arteriosclerosis.

P. 92-97

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