[Quality of life after superficial femoral vein harvest for infra-inguinal reconstructions].
BACKGROUND
The superficial femoral vein (SFV) is a well-established alternative conduit for infra-inguinal reconstructivenous hypertension after SFV harvest may however result in significant morbidity. This study reports the efficiency of SFV as conduit for infra-inguinal reconstructions and characterize the anatomic and physiologic changes in harvest limbs and their relationship to the development of venous complications.


METHODS
From May 1999 through November 2003, 23 SFV were harvested from 21 patients undergoing infra-inguinal reconstructions. Bypasses were controlled by regular duplex-ultrasound. The venous morbidity was assessed by measurements of leg circumferences, strain-gauge plethysmography and quality of life, investigated by the VEINES-QOL scale.


RESULTS
At a mean follow-up of 10.4 months (range 1-56), primary, secondary patency and limb salvage rates of infra-inguinal bypasses using SFV are 71.4%, 76.2% and 85.7% respectively. No patient had major venous claudication. Oedema was significantly present in nine patients. Strain-gauge plethysmography showed outflow obstruction in all patients. The VEINES-QOL assessment showed no limitation in social and domestic activity, moderate complain about leg heaviness despite presence of oedema.


CONCLUSIONS
The SFV harvest is a reliable conduit for infra-inguinal reconstructions and results in moderate venous morbidity in terms of functional consequences and quality of life.
Probst
H
H
Division de Chirurgie Thoracique et Vasculaire, Hôpital Universitaire de Lausanne. herve.probst@chuv.ch
Ducrey
N
N
Depairon
M
M
Saucy
F
F
Hayoz
D
D
Haller
C
C
Corpataux
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D005260:Female; D005268:Femoral Vein; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D023821:Limb Salvage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010992:Plethysmography, Impedance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures