Late Failure of Arterialized in Situ Saphenous Vein

Occlusive disease of the femoropopliteal artery is now commonly treated with an autogenous, saphenous vein bypass graft. Excision and reversal of the vein has been the most frequently employed technique. An alternative method first described by Rob, 1 utilizing the situ, nonreversed saphenous vein, has yielded satisfactory results. To evaluate possible advantages, 2 we used the situ saphenous vein for femoropopliteal arterial reconstruction 25 instances. This is a report of the results of these 25 arterial reconstructions which are compared with 25 similar reconstructions using reversed saphenous vein. Methods Fifty consecutive femoropopliteal arterial reconstructions were performed from August 1965 to January 1968. In situ grafts were used from November 1965 to May 1967. There was patient selection that initially there was higher enthusiasm for use of the situ saphenous vein. Average age the in situ group was 67 (range of 51 to 81 years)