Optimal length of a saphenous vein segment when used as an arterial substitute

An in-vitro experiment using 12 cadaver long saphenous veins was performed to determine the optimal length of a saphenous vein segment intended for use as an arterial substitute. This length was found to be 8% greater than the body length, as judged by maximal flow through the veins and 6% greater than body length judged by minimal pressure loss across the vein segments. Extreme extension of the veins resulted in incomplete transverse rupture of the inner layers of three of the veins tested.