Arm veins versus contralateral greater saphenous veins for lower extremity bypass reconstruction: preliminary data of a randomized study.

Background: The aim of this randomized study was to determine whether arm vein (AV) or contralateral greater saphenous vein (CGSV) is the better alternative vein source for lower extremity bypass reconstruction.

Methods: Consecutive patients with absent ipsilateral greater saphenous vein undergoing lower extremity revascularization were allocated to group A (AV bypass) or B (CGSV bypass).

Results: From 6, 2010, to 11, 2013, 64 patients (32 each group) were randomized.

Ultrasonic vein mapping prior to infrainguinal autogenous bypass grafting reduces postoperative infections and readmissions.

Objective: Although duplex vein mapping (DVM) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is common practice, there is no level I evidence for its application. Our prospective randomized trial studied the effect of preoperative DVM in infrainguinal bypass surgery.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing primary bypass grafting were prospectively randomized for DVM of the GSV (group A) or no DMV of the GSV (group B) before surgery.