When lower extremity arterial bypass surgery is required, a bypass graft using a superficial vein often provides the best long-term result.
Using the person’s own tissue reduces the risk of infection or thrombosis (clotting) of the graft. This vein is also used for heart bypass surgeries. A non-invasive ultrasound exam is performed to evaluate the vein quality and size to determine if it is adequate to be used as a bypass graft.