These experimental hemodynamic considerations, in general, explain the occasional untoward effects of sympathectomy, and provide support for some of the empirically derived indications and contra-in- dications for sympathectomy.
Sympathectomy should be tailored to denervate only the ischemic area, if this is possible. Sympathectomy should not be performed where collateral channels do not exist, because of the danger of flow shifts. Sympathectomy probably should not be employed for relief of intermittent claudication.
Annals of Surgery August 1963