Femoropopliteal Composite Dacron and Autogenous Vein Bypass Grafts

Abstract

Composite Dacron-autogenous vein grafts designed so that the vein portion is placed across the knee joint were used in 40 limbs to bypass femoropopliteal arteriosclerotic obstructions. The five-year accumulative patency rate was 53% compared to 72% for autogenous vein grafts in a larger series. This was superior to Dacron bypass grafting alone, femoral endarterectomy, and composite femoral endarterectomy with short distal venous bypass grafts. Important technical details are considered. It is our opinion that the composite Dacron vein grafts when properly constructed and implanted are a useful method to restore the arterial circulation to the lower leg if the saphenous vein is too short or not usable for other reasons.