AB083. SOH24AB_269. Preoperative vein scans and their outcome: a single centre experience

Background: The great saphenous vein (GSV) is frequently scanned pre lower limb bypass surgery. Guidelines recommend preemptive venous scanning to ensure availability of a "good quality venous conduit", although this has not been clearly defined. Methods: A list of all venous scans conducted was compiled and retrospectively reviewed through electronic patient records from July 2018 to July 2023. A "good venous conduit" was defined as >2 mm but <5 mm internal diameter with no incompetence. Results: In total, there was 164 patients scanned with the mean age being 68.6 [standard deviation (SD) 11.5]. There were 380 venous scans performed, 271 were GSV. Arterial pathology was commoner on the right side (n=83) then the left (n=72). While 22 (12.5%) of right GSVs reported incompetence and 14 (8.5%) of left. The mean diameter (mm) of GSV was 3.59 (SD 1.65) above knee and 2.59 (SD 1.13) below knee (P≥0.001), with no difference between right and left (P=0.69). Of the veins scanned, 64 were used for bypasses. And, 53 GSVs were found to be useable throughout their length, while 42 above knee GSV and 35 below knee GSV were sufficient. A total of 139 GSVs were unusable. Sixteen bypasses were not patent on follow up, with 5 (33%) reinterventions. Fifty-five were patent with 18 (34%) reinterventions. Conclusions: Of the 271 GSV scans performed, only 53 met the criteria to use for bypass. (19.55%). Thirty-three (13%) of GSVs were noted to be incompetent. While 64 veins were used for bypass in this cohort, there were also 17 prosthetic bypasses used. Better definition of a "good venous conduit" may aid decision making in bypass surgery.