Aneurysm formation in distal saphenous vein bypass grafts as a cause of graft failure.

Aneurysms of a reversed saphenous vein femoropopliteal bypass graft developed in two patients. In both patients, the aneurysm led to thrombosis and occlusion of the graft. One graft was reopened by intraarterial thrombolysis followed by local graft revision; the other required complete regrafting. This uncommon cause of graft occlusion should be considered before thrombolysis.