Continuous Loop of Basilic-Cephalic Vein for Lower Extremity Bypass: A Case Report and Review

Finding a suitable conduit for lower extremity arterial bypass can be a challenge, especially when the greater saphenous vein has been used for other bypasses. Several different types of conduits have been tried with variable success rates. Autologous vein grafts seem to have a higher patency rate than prosthetic grafts. In this article, a case is presented in which a continuous loop of basilic-cephalic vein was used to bypass superficial femoral artery to dorsalis pedis. This innovative conduit has the advantage of being autologous and without any intervening venovenous anastomoses and its associated complications. A review of such vein loop grafts and other types of conduits is presented in the text.