Lengthening the greater saphenous vein with the use of the lateral femoral cutaneous vein.

Besides quality, the length of the greater saphenous vein dictates the feasibility of vein bypass grafts in femorodistal popliteal or tibial revascularization. A simple and effective technique of lengthening the greater saphenous vein is described that allows the use of the laterofemoral cutaneous vein in continuity. This technique can be applied when the distal segment of the greater saphenous vein is inadequate or unavailable.