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The basilic vein: an alternative conduit for complex iliofemoral reconstruction
1Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Aintree, Lower Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
Insights
The basilic vein is a viable option for iliofemoral arterial reconstructions when prosthetic grafts are not suitable. This study shows excellent graft patency and feasibility for this alternative vascular conduit.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Arterial Interventions
Background:
- Prosthetic grafts are standard for iliofemoral arterial reconstructions.
- Alternative conduits are needed when prosthetic use is contraindicated due to infection, hypercoagulability, or previous graft failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and feasibility of using the basilic vein as an alternative conduit for iliofemoral arterial reconstructions.
- To evaluate outcomes in patients where prosthetic grafts were not used.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study reviewing 15 patients (17 procedures) from 2006-2011.
- Data collected on comorbidities, indications, perioperative, and long-term outcomes.
- Graft patency assessed via clinical examination and imaging (ultrasound, CT angiography).
Main Results:
- Fifteen patients underwent 17 iliofemoral reconstructions using autologous basilic vein grafts.
- Indications included prosthetic infection, hypercoagulable states, young age, and graft occlusions.
- All grafts remained patent after a median follow-up of 21.5 months, with no major perioperative complications.
Conclusions:
- Autologous basilic vein is a feasible and effective alternative conduit for iliofemoral arterial reconstruction.
- It provides a valid option when prosthetic material is contraindicated.
- This approach demonstrates good long-term patency and safety.
Objectives:
To evaluate the basilic vein as an alternative conduit in iliofemoral arterial reconstructions.
Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods:
We reviewed records of all patients undergoing iliofemoral arterial reconstruction with basilic vein between January 2006 and November 2011. Patients were identified via a prospective database, which also provided data on patients' comorbidity, indications for surgery and perioperative outcome. Long term outcome was confirmed by reviewing hospital records; graft patency was confirmed by clinical examination and imaging by ultrasound or CT angiography.
Results:
We identified 15 patients undergoing 17 procedures (two patients underwent staged bilateral iliofemoral bypasses). Indications for vein (instead of prosthetic) graft use included prosthetic infection (4), suspected infection (2), proven hypercoagulable state (3), young age (3) and multiple graft occlusions (5). Preoperative mapping confirmed vein suitability in all cases, and all conduits were harvested from the upper limb. There were no major perioperative complications. After a median (range) follow up of 21.5 (1-42) months, all grafts were patent; one patient required secondary intervention on the graft.
Conclusion:
Iliofemoral arterial reconstruction with autologous basilic vein is feasible and may be a valid alternative when the use of prosthetic material is contraindicated.
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