[The role of transplanted vein graft in arterial reconstruction]

The use of the non-reversed saphenous vein has not been properly evaluated yet, for what concerns the features of length and application. In the reported series this technique has been employed for the reconstruction of arterial segments in various anatomic sites. The mean follow-up was 10 months. Between November 1987 and September 1993 at the Department of Vascular Surgery of Pietra Ligure and Imperia 39 arterial grafts with the use of non-reversed autologous saphenous vein were performed, for the treatment of arteriosclerotic, traumatic or aneurysmatic diseases. On the basis of the outcomes (70 to 100% patency of the grafts found at the follow-up), pro and cons of this technique is weighed up and some guidelines about the procedure of choice (among the non-reversed, in situ or reversed saphenous vein) are settled, keeping in mind the different variations who must influence and direct the surgeons' choice (venous diameter, features of the site to revascularize etc.).