Unrecognized arterial occlusive disease can cause ischemic necrosis of vein harvest incisions, requiring prompt vascular reconstruction for healing.
May warrant arterial evaluation in necrotic vein harvest wounds; leaves open optimal screening and reconstruction protocols.
Leg wound complications following saphenous vein harvest for coronary revascularization are uncommon. We have encountered five patients in whom unrecognized arterial occlusive disease contributed to wound necrosis. All required vascular reconstruction in addition to local wound care to achieve healing. Careful preoperative attention to symptoms of arterial insufficiency is recommended and appropriate modification of lower extremity incisions may reduce the frequency of this complication. Prompt recognition and appropriate arterial revascularization should avoid prolonged morbidity if ischemic necrosis of leg wounds does occur. If arterial reconstruction is required, PTFE is an acceptable graft material if the remaining saphenous vein is inadequate for use.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Scher et al. (1986) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: