[Mapping of superficial veins for vascular replacement using duplex ultrasound]

With regard to surgical vascular reconstruction, we evaluated the saphenous veins of 110 patients as potential substitute vessels by duplex ultrasound. The technique is analogous to the one used for diagnosis of varicose veins. Finally 74 patients underwent a surgical intervention with exploration or removal of veins. The comparison between the 74 operative findings available for analysis and the results of duplex ultrasound showed agreement in 93%. The duplex technique informs not only about the permeability and morphology of the veins but also by direct skin marking about their precise position. In comparison with phlebography, it is in experienced hands at least as reliable, without morbidity and virtually without inconvenience to the patient. In our opinion, the non-invasive duplex ultrasound method is quite adequate for the preoperative judgement of veins destined for vessel replacement.