Clinical Storage of Autogenous Saphenous Veins in Subcutaneous Tissue

AUTOGENOUS veins are the ideal material for the reconstruction of peripheral arteries, and the usual source of these is the superficial veins of the lower extremities.^1-3 The availability of autogenous veins, however, becomes a problem in patients who have had previous surgical removal of their greater and lesser saphenous venous systems. Varicose veins, even when markedly dilated, may be used for arterial replacement as long as there is no aneurysmal dilatation on over necrosis of the vein wall. Since surgery for varicose veins is usually performed at an earlier age than for arterial occlusive disease, it was considered that the veins could later be used for arterial replacement if a suitable means for storage were available. The "freeze-dry" technique for preservation of veins has been shown to be feasible,⁴ however, this is impractical for long-term storage of the many veins which are being removed. A more logical and