title: Great saphenous vein protection in arterial reconstructive surgery.
abstract: An original method of great saphenous vein bypass protection during reconstructive arterial surgery is described. The use of a reinforced prosthetic support (Ringed PTFE), surrounding the vein, avoids possible compression by anatomical structures and strangulation by scar tissue after reoperation. This technique can also prevent eventual dilatation of the vein graft. Since 1981, this technique has been successfully applied to 30 selected patients. On the basis of clinical experience, the authors conclude that this method is safe and effective, and may increase the long-term patency rate of saphenous vein grafts.
authors.affiliation: Chair of Vascular Surgery, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Italy.
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Deriu
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ballotta
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bonavina
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alvino
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Franceschi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Grego
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thiene
mesh_terms: D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene