Vein Graft Surveillance: is the Yield Worth the Effort ?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of evidence in support of the routine use of duplex surveillance during the follow-up of vein bypass graft patients.

Methods: The following review describes the results from a summation analysis, and data from two small-scale randomised controlled trials.

Results and conclusions: The above review puts into question the need for routine graft surveillance for all. It is agreed that the result of the Vein Graft Surveillance Trial will clarify the future needs for surveillance.

Key Words:

• Vein Graft
• Duplex surveillance

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A.H. Davies

A. H. Davies Department of Vascular Surgery Imperial College London, Charing Cross campus Charing Cross Hospital Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF, UK Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]