Use of cryopreserved saphenous vein grafts in congenital heart surgery

摘要

The use of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in congenital heart surgery was reported as early as 1984.1 SVGs have several advantages, including a low incidence of thrombosis and infection and superior handling characteristics and hemo-stasis, with acceptable patency rates. A potential hemody-namic benefit of a competent valve also exists in cases in which SVGs are used as right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduits.2 We report our experience with cryopre-served SVGs as RV-PA conduits or modified Blalock-Taussig shunts (MBTSs) in neonates and infants.