saphenous vein graft
Pronunciation: /sə-ˈfē-nəs/
A segment of saphenous vein harvested from the leg and used as a conduit for coronary artery bypass surgery.
Full Definition
A saphenous vein graft (SVG) is a segment of the great or small saphenous vein harvested from the patient's leg and used as a conduit for coronary artery bypass surgery. The great saphenous vein is the most commonly used graft due to its length and appropriate diameter for coronary anastomoses. The vein can be harvested using either open technique (continuous incision) or endoscopic technique (minimally invasive). SVGs are typically reversed to ensure proper valve orientation for arterial flow. While readily available and easy to harvest, saphenous vein grafts have lower long-term patency rates compared to arterial grafts due to accelerated atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia.
Usage
Usage note: Specify great or small saphenous when clarity is needed; SVG is acceptable abbreviation
In Context
- "A reversed saphenous vein graft was anastomosed to the posterior descending artery." — operative report
- "The saphenous vein graft was harvested endoscopically to minimize leg wound complications." — operative report