Outcome of infra-inguinal bypass grafts using vein conduit with less than 3 millimeters diameter in critical leg ischemia

This series has shown that primary and assisted primary patency rates in small veins are not significantly different at 1 year but the secondary patency rates are better in the larger veins. Similarly, the amputation-free survival was also comparable. The authors would, therefore, advocate the use of small veins >2 mm in diameter in patients with CLI. Duplex scan surveillance followed by early salvage angioplasty for threatened grafts is needed to achieve good patency rates in both groups.