title: Venous homografts in infra-inguinal procedures: an eight years experience.
abstract: Autogenous saphenous vein is still the first choice graft material for femoro-distal bypass whenever it is available, but the choice of an alternative is still a challenging problem. Between 1982 and 1989, 100 femoro-distal reconstructions were performed with saphenous vein segment homografts, harvested during varicose vein stripping, they were selected, prepared and stored at 4 degrees C. In 71 cases the distal anastomosis was below the knee. According to the actuarial life table analysis (Kaplan & Meyer) the cumulative graft patency rate after 6 months, 1, 3, 5 and 7 years was 79%, 63%, 46%, 45% and 42% respectively. Twelve cases of aneurysm formation or stenosis requiring reintervention occurred. The patency rate was not influenced by the site of the distal anastomosis, but the condition of the run-off vessels had a significant influence on the early occlusion rate. Varicose vein segments are a readily available source of graft material. The low cost, easy storage and handling of these grafts justify their use in limb salvage procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Camillus Clinic, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Leersnijder
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Willocx
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Marck
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vanmaele
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000473:pathology; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000601:surgery; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency