The use of modified human umbilical cord vein in femoral popliteal reconstruction

Glutaraldehyde-tanned human umbilical cord veins were employed for reconstruction of the femoral popliteal segment in 80 instances. The primary indication for surgery was imminent loss of limb. The cumulative patency to 20 months was 84.8%. The primary mechanism for graft failure was thrombosis usually due to progressive atherosclerosis of the distal circulation (6 cases). There were no instances of infection, dilatation of the graft or aneurysm formation. The data indicate that the results obtained with the glutaraldehyde-tanned umbilical vein in femoral popliteal location are comparable and perhaps even superior to those obtained with the saphenous vein. This suggests that this graft material will be applicable as a vascular prosthesis in many instances and will provide for limb salvage and function in patients who face potential loss of limb.