Cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts in infrainguinal arterial reconstruction

Cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts (cryografts) have been used as conduit in infrainguinal revascularization when autogenous vein is inadequate or unavailable. Numerous reports on the subject exist, however most are hampered by small sample size or retrospective design. Despite poor patency rates, limb salvage in patients undergoing cryograft bypass is acceptable. In this article we review the literature of cryograft use in infrainguinal revascularization and define its role in the armamentarium of the modern vascular surgeon.