THE CURRENT STATUS OF PROSTHETIC-VEIN COMPOSITE GRAFTS FOR LOWER-EXTREMITY REVASCULARIZATION

Despite an aggressive approach toward maximum use of autogenous vein f or infrageniculate vascular reconstructions, some patients will have i nadequate or insufficient vein. Composite grafts, consisting of a pros thetic proximal portion and a distal autologous vein segment, are a vi able alternative with graft patency and limb salvage rates that, altho ugh inferior to vein grafts, are superior to prosthetic grafts alone. This article reviews the indications, technique, and results for compo site grafts, and defines their role in the management of lower extremi ty occlusive disease.