Learning curve in tibial and pedal bypass with autologous vein graft

Objectives The 2019 Global Vascular Guidelines recommended open bypass for patients at average risk with greater limb severity and anatomical complexity. However, the outcomes of tibial and pedal bypass (TPB) are inferior to those of above-the-knee surgical revascularization. This may be due to the technical difficulty and need for development of skills to perform TPB. However, there is a limited knowledge on the learning curve in TPB. Thus, the aim of the study is to assess this learning curve in a single-center retrospective analysis. Methods Cases treated with TPB with an autologous vein conduit in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) at a Japanese single center from 2009 to 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was the learning curve for TPB. Results The study included 449 TPB procedures conducted by a single main surgeon in patients with CLTI (median age, 75 years; 309 males; diabetes mellitus, 73%; end stage renal failure with hemodialysis, 44%). The operative time decreased significantly as the number of cases accumulated ( p < .001). Using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) operative time, the learning curve was estimated to be phase 1 (initial learning curve) for 134 cases (1–134); phase 2 (competent period) for 179 cases (135–313); and phase 3 (mastery and challenging period) for 136 cases (314–449). The mean follow-up period was 34 ± 31 months. The 1- and 3-year limb salvage rates of 97% and 96% in phase 3 were significantly higher than those in phases 1 and 2 ( p < .001, p = .029). Major adverse limb events (MALE) occurred in 117 (26%) patients, and the 1- and 3-year MALE rates of 10% and 17% in phase 3 were significantly lower than those in phases 1 and 2 ( p < .001, p = .009). Conclusions In the study, vascular surgeon required a learning curve of 134 TPB cases to Overcoming the learning curve for bypass was associated with improvement of medium-term outcomes for limb salvage and freedom from MALE.