Lower extremity reconstruction using a long-cryopreserved venous allograft for free flap venous outflow.

Abstract

Vein grafts are used frequently in microvascular surgery, but an adequate supply of autogenous veins is not always available. The search for an ideal substitute for autogenous vein continues. We present a case of lower extremity reconstruction made difficult by lack of suitable autogenous vein for venous outflow from a rectus abdominus free flap. A 36 cm cryopreserved allograft saphenous vein was used on an emergency basis for this problem.