Comparison between saphenous vein and Dacron Velour grafts for femoropopliteal bypass.

One hundred and thirty-eight femoropopliteal grafts were performed for arteriosclerotic occlusive disease of the femoral artery in a five-year period. One group of patients who had 81 saphenous vein grafts was compared with a similar group who had 57 Dacron Velour grafts. At three years 90% of the vein grafts were patent, compared to 45% of the Dacron Velour grafts. Twenty-seven per cent of all patients presented with threatenened limb loss. Amputation was averted in all but 5%. Intraoperative flow measurement did not prove to be a reliable indicator of long-term patency.