The Thigh Saphenous Vein Versus the Calf Saphenous Vein: Searching for the Optimal Conduit for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

In this study, thigh SV grafts had significantly higher patency than calf SV grafts at 5 years after CABG. Moreover, the functional and structural viability of SV endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the thigh SV grafts were better preserved than those in the calf SV grafts. These findings suggest that thigh SV grafts appear to be more appropriate conduits than calf SV grafts for CABG.