• 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 91  (3) , 352-358
Abstract
As part of a study of the effects of various clinical, pathological and hemodynamic factors on short- and long-term patency of autogenous reversed saphenous vein femoropopliteal bypass grafts, an early and recent series of patients is compared with 4 other index series. Review and comparison reveals a well-recognized pattern of graft failure that occurs in 3 definable periods. The closure rate differs between periods and among series and allows a delineation of the responsible factors. Improvement in long-term cumulative patency rates depends on an understanding of the factors responsible for vein graft failure and the methods for their elimination or control.