Preoperative mapping of the saphenous vein: Predicting the risk of failure of infrainguinal bypass surgery

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Levi, N.^; | Sillesen, H. | Nielsen, T.G. | Schroeder, T.V.

Affiliations: Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Note: [] Correspondence to: Niels Levi, MD, Vermlandsgade 77, Copenhagen 2300 S, Denmark.

Abstract: A series of 124 patients had their greater saphenous vein assessed with duplex ultrasound scanning prior to planned infrainguinal bypass procedures. 33 (27%) bypass procedures thrombosed within the first year. A naturally occurring optimal vein diameter was discovered: 5.0–6.5 mm at mid-thigh level and 1.0–1.5 mm less at mid-calf level. It was significantly correlated with higher one year patency: thrombosis occured in 8% of the cases in veins with this optimal diameter combination and in 31% of the cases in all other combinations (P < 0.001).

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-1996-8205

Journal: International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 175-177, 1996