Vein graft surveillance: is the yield worth the effort?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of evidence in support of the routine use of duplex surveillance during the follow-up of vein bypass graft patients.


METHODS
The following review describes the results from a summation analysis, and data from two small-scale randomised controlled trials.


CONCLUSIONS
The above review puts into question the need for routine graft surveillance for all. It is agreed that the result of the Vein Graft Surveillance Trial will clarify the future needs for surveillance.
Hawdon
A J
AJ
Department of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK.
Davies
A H
AH
D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex / Q000379:methods*; D014654:Vascular Patency