Use of autologous spiral vein grafts for vascular reconstructions in contaminated fields.

Vascular reconstructions in heavily contaminated fields can be particularly challenging. Prosthetic grafts are rarely suitable because of the risk of infection, but the saphenous vein is usually too small for isodiametric replacement of large arteries and veins. Although surgeons rarely consider the use of spiral vein grafts, they may occasionally be the ideal autogenous vascular replacement because they can be tailored to fit a vessel of any size. We report the use of spiral vein grafts in three patients requiring vascular reconstructions in the presence of heavy bacterial contamination.