Transplantation of the saphenous vene as treatment for chronic stenosis ofthe jugular vene

A surgical technique is described in which a saphenous vein graft is used t o reconstruct the jugular vein in horses with facial oedema due to post-thr ombophlebitic stenosis of the jugular vein. The saphenous vein was harveste d from the contralateral limb and implanted in the occluded vein by two sid e-to-end anastomoses. Intra-operatively and post-operatively anticoagulativ e medication was administered. In 4 out of 5 patients the reconstruction re sulted in a permanent patent graft and resolution of the facial oedema. In one patient initially the graft thrombosed., but revascularised and became patent again after one year.