Low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) versus dextran in the prevention of early occlusion following arterial bypass surgery distal to the groin.

Abstract

to compare the effect of perioperative dextran and low molecular weight heparin on early graft patency after femorodistal bypass surgery. prospective randomised multicentre study. three hundred and fourteen patients were randomised to dextran 70 or the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin during and after femorodistal bypass surgery. Patency was evaluated at days 1, 5-7, 30 and 90. there was no difference in patency at any time point between the two regimens, the crude 90 days patency being 88 and 83%, respectively. There were significantly more patients with heart failure in the dextran group (12.8 vs 0.7%), with other side effects being evenly distributed. dextran 70 and the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin have the same effect on 90 days femorodistal graft patency, but care must be taken using the dextran to patients with a potential heart insufficiency.