Autologous fashioned graft for aneurysm repair in a contaminated field

In situ synthetic grafts are not routinely used for aortoiliac reconstruction in the presence of active or potential infection, while the use of a venous autologous graft in these circumstances is limited by the size and length of the venous conduit that is required, the superficial femoral vein being most frequently used.

We describe a new technique in which an autologous venous conduit was constructed with side-to-side anastomosed segments of a longitudinally opened greater saphenous vein. Thus the diameter of the new conduit was increased.

This venous graft was successfully used to repair an isolated common iliac aneurysm in a patient with sigmoid cancer, as part of a combined procedure. At 1 year follow-up the venous graft has not shown any signs of dilatation or stenosis on CT scanning.

If validated by further work, our novel graft could be used in cases of intraabdominal graft infections and mycotic aneurysms instead of deep leg veins.