SIGNIFICANCE OF VENOUS GRAFT DIAMETER AND LENGTH FOR PERIPHERAL BY-PASS PATENCY

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the one-year-patency of infrainguinal arterial reconstructions in relation to venous graft diameter and length.Material and Methods: 56 patent and failed infrainguinal autovenous by-pass reconstructions were followed up for no less than a year. The diameter of the vein was measured at the site of distal anastomosis, and the length after the completion of reconstruction.Results: Results are worse in venous grafts with diameter less than 3.5 mm and length over 40 cm, but the difference between failed and patent by-passes with diameter over 3.5 mm and bigger length is also significant. Shorter and with diameter over 3.5 mm by-passes have the higher percentage patency.Conclusion: Shorter grafts with diameter above 3.5 mm do not guarantee longer patency if distal anastomosis is constructed above diseased run-off segment.

Keywords

• diameter
• length
• venous by-pass