Rapid Degradation and Subsequent Endovascular Salvage of Upper Extremity Cryogenic Allograft Bypass

It has long been reported that cryogenic allografts have suboptimal mid- and long-term patencies and consequently are only used in the absence of autologous vein, predominantly in lower extremity limb salvage situations. As such, we felt that our recent experience with an upper extremity bypass for limb salvage using a cryogenic saphenous vein allograft, which aneurysmally degenerated after one month and required multiple endovascular rescues, serves to re-emphasize such concerns and the importance of continuous postoperative surveillance.