Methods for the Evaluation of Vascular Reconstruction

Abstract

Despite carefully performed surgery, vascular defects can remain undetected within an arterial reconstruction after blood flow is restored. Failure to recognize technical errors or abnormalities can lead to vessel thrombosis and embolization. For cardiac, carotid or visceral reconstructions these events can be catastrophic. Furthermore, corrections of lesions before graft thrombosis can have a significant impact on long-term patency, being particularly important for vein grafts, because most will not maintain patency with thrombectomy alone. This review describes methods for peroperative evaluation of vascular reconstructions. Since careful selection of patients for therapy as well as proper postoperative surveillance contribute to the success of vascular surgery, some methods for pre- and postoperative evaluation are also included.