Above-knee prosthetic grafts do not compromise the ipsilateral long saphenous vein.

Budd, J S; Langdon, I; Brennan, J; Bell, P R · Br J Surg · 1991

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

Prosthetic graft materials are used preferentially by a number of surgeons for above-knee femoropopliteal bypasses. Using B-mode ultrasonography we have assessed the ipsilateral long saphenous vein in patients undergoing such bypasses to determine its suitability for future use in more distal bypasses. A total of 137 above-knee prosthetic grafts were performed over a 10-year period. Of the patients, 74 were available for further assessment. Overall, 97 per cent of veins were suitable for future bypass surgery if required. Above-knee prosthetic bypasses do not appear to jeopardize the ipsilateral long saphenous vein.

Medical subject headings