LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF AUTOLOGOUS VEIN GR AFTS - 40 YEARS AFTER RECONSTRUCTION FOR CYSTIC ADVENTITIAL DISEASE

Long term follow-up (38-41 years postoperatively) has been undertaken in three patients who were initially operated on with autologous rever sed vein grafts due to cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal art ery. The patients were evaluated clinically as well as with colour cod ed ultrasonography and phase-locked echo-tracking ultrasonography. One vein graft was occluded, the others were patent, without dilatation a nd with a compliance similar to that in the femoral artery. Autologous vein grafts below the groin are very durable.