Femoro-popliteal vein bypass grafts studied by intravascular ultrasound

The usefulness of intra-operative intravascular ultrasound (30 MHz) was evaluated in three patients who underwent a femoropopliteal vein bypass. Intravascular echography analysis of the surgical procedure revealed a normal uneventful result in one patient. In two other patients obstructions in the vein grafts were identified either caused by internal obstruction or external compression. Angiography in these two patients provided equivocal data. We conclude that intravascular ultrasound imaging may be a useful adjunct to angiography and may offer important clinical data to facilitate the surgeons in analysing the results of the interventional procedures.