• 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 91  (6) , 646-649
Abstract
Consecutive [human] vein grafts (37) to the infrapopliteal arteries are reviewed. Upper limb vein was used in each case, either for the entire graft (27%) or in combination with saphenous vein (73%). The grafts were inserted during a 10-yr period and constituted 8.6% of the lower limb grafts carried out during this time. There was 1 postoperative death (2.7%). The patency rate at 3 yr was 58 .+-. 9.5% and at 5 yr, 49.1 .+-. 11.5%. Indications for the use of upper limb vein in these situations are considered, and the results are compared with those obtainable with other materials. Upper limb vein can provide a satisfactory arterial substitute in the lower limb, and it may occasionally be the material of choice.