Chronic venosus obstruction as a factor in the early failure of bypass grafts in the leg.

It is suggested that the early failure of bypass grafts in patients with clinical evidence of venous hypertension is a result of increased resistance caused by venous obstruction. The importance of using autogenous vein grafts in such cases is emphasized. One should accept the possibility that arterial reconstruction may result in a less successful outcome in patients with chronic venous disease.