Viability of surrounding tissue attached to vein graft

The technique of grafting skin with an attached subcutaneous vein for vessel-skin defects was investigated in an experimental rabbit study. Vein grafts were not able to nourish the skin immediately after grafting. After 14 days, there was a certain amount of vital, revascularized tissue in the area of the vein graft. Plasmatic circulation and revascularization from the wound bed are apparently responsible for the successful clinical application of this technique.