Preferential use of basilic vein for surgical repair of popliteal aneurysms via the posterior approach.

The facedown position used for the posterior surgical approach to repair popliteal aneurysms limits access to the great saphenous vein. Using the basilic vein as the conduit of choice in five patients, we were able to harvest the vein conveniently and simultaneously with aneurysm exposure. On follow-up of 4 to 36 months, all grafts were functioning well.