The Role of Low-density Lipoprotein Apheresis as Postoperative Care of Bypass Grafting for Chronic Arterial Occlusion

Since November 1989, low-density lipoprotein apheresis has been applied to patients with intractable hyperlipidaemia following bypass grafting for chronic arterial occlusion of the lower extremities. The treatment group comprised six patients (four men, two women) with arteriosclerosis obliterans. In five patients, the ankle pressure index deteriorated and intermittent claudication recurred due to atherosclerotic progression. Results of low-density lipoprotein apheresis were dramatic; the deteriorated ankle pressure index and intermittent claudication improved significantly after several applications of low-density lipoprotein apheresis. Significant angiographic improvement was obtained in two patients. It is concluded that low-density lipoprotein aphresis appears to be an efficient method to preserve graft patency and treat postoperative patients with deteriorated ankle pressure index.