The Management of Aneurysmal Degeneration of Lower Extremity Cryopreserved Saphenous Vein Bypass Grafts

Abstract

Background: The use of cryopreserved saphenous veins (CSVs) for the treatment of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease is an attractive option when there is no available autogenous vein. Prior studies found CSVs are at risk for aneurysmal degeneration requiring reoperation. As the management of these complications and patient outcomes is not well described, the objective of this case series is to describe the open and endovascular management of degenerative CSVs at a tertiary community center.

Methods: All CSVs implanted for lower extremity bypass at our institution between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All CSVs with evidence of aneurysmal change were included in this study. CSVs with evidence of active infection were excluded. The decision to intervene was left to the discretion of the operating surgeon. Demographic data, indications for the index operation, and details about subsequent interventions for degenerative CSVs were recorded. Study end points included limb salvage and continued patency. Demographic data, indications for the index operation, and details about subsequent interventions for degenerative CSVs were recorded.

Results: Seventeen bypasses were identified to have aneurysmal degeneration in 13 patients in the absence of infection between 2001 and 2021. Nine of the 13 patients were male, and the average age and body mass index during the index procedure were 72 and 28, respectively. Indications for the index bypass included acute limb ischemia (9), popliteal aneurysm (2), and chronic limb threatening ischemia with Rutherford's class IV (5) and V (1). The mean time between the index procedure and first graft revision due to aneurysmal changes was 4 years. Most of the aneurysms did not occur at the site of anastomosis with 13 occurring in the body of the graft. Thirteen grafts were managed with open surgery and 3 were managed with endovascular techniques. All endovascular repairs were managed via covered stenting. Patients were followed for an average duration of 7 years from the initial bypass and 2 years from their last aneurysmal repair. Limb salvage in this cohort was 87% with 2 limbs requiring amputation, all of whom underwent open reconstruction. The mortality rate in this series was 54% and no patients died due to complications from their graft. Continued patency on Kaplan Meier survival curve analysis was 79% at 6 months, 65% at 1 year, 54% at 3 years, and 27% at 5 years.

Conclusions: In our experience, aneurysmal degeneration of CSV grafts was mostly managed with standard open surgical techniques, although endovascular therapy also proved acceptable. Limb salvage rates and continued patency of repair at 1 year in this cohort were acceptable. This case series highlights the importance of diligent surveillance for patients with CSVs.