Successful long-term limb salvage using cephalic vein bypass grafts.

Successful long-term limb salvage using cephalic vein bypass grafts was attained in 70 limbs of 67 patients over the past 11 years. The saphenous vein was absent in 76% and inadequate in 24% of the cases. Revascularization for limb salvage was carried out in 83%. Ninety per cent of the grafts were extended to the infrageniculate level while 56% were to a tibial vessel. Patency rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 85%, 72%, and 68%, respectively. Limb salvage rate was 85% at 5 years and thereafter. There were no operative deaths or upper extremity morbidity. The 5-year survival rate was 50%. The results obtained with cephalic vein were comparable to those reported using saphenous vein but superior to those reported for nonautogenous bypass grafts.