Umbilical vein grafts and PTFE grafts for femoro-popliteal bypass. Preliminary results.

This retrospective, multiple-center study includes 172 PTFE (Gore-Tex) and 35 umbilical vein grafts (Bio-graft) used for femoro-popliteal bypass grafting. The one-year patency rate was approximately 63% in both groups. Until further experience is accumulated, autogenous saphenous vein should probably be the first choice for femoro-popliteal bypass grafting. Prosthetic grafts should preferably be used when the saphenous vein is absent or insufficient.