Superficial venous arterialization with the great saphenous vein in situ: a single-center experience.

Background: Arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot is a technique indicated in cases of critical lower limb ischemia that do not have a distal bed that is adequate to enable conventional treatment such as revascularization, angioplasty, or clinical treatment.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to present the result of arterialization of the venous arch of the foot in 16 patients who underwent treatment with this technique.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive analytical study based on a review of the medical records of 16 patients who underwent arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot for limb salvage from January 2016 to January 2021.

Results: Four (25%) of the 16 patients who underwent arterialization of the venous arch of the foot underwent a major amputation during the same hospital stay and one patient (6.25%) had a major amputation within 6 months. The other 11 patients (68.75%) had their limbs preserved, with 10 undergoing minor amputations (toes and forefoot) and one patient having no additional procedures.

Conclusions: We conclude that the technique of arterialization of the dorsal venous arch of the foot should be considered in selected cases. It is a valid alternative for limb salvage when conventional treatment is impossible.