A novel procedure for reconstruction utilizing superficial femoral vein grafts following en bloc resection of carotid artery and head and neck malignant tumours

OBJECTIVES The objective of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of reconstructing the carotid artery using a superficial femoral vein (SFV). METHODS Ten patients with malignant tumours involving the carotid artery underwent carotid artery resection and reconstruction with the SFV. We use the SFV between the deep femoral vein and perforator branches to the great saphenous vein or deep femoral vein at the popliteal region reconstructive vessel. RESULTS The mean length and diameter of the grafted SFVs were 13.9 and 11.2 mm, respectively. The mean time for SFV acquirement was 18 min. The mean cerebral ischaemic period was 23.1 min. Nine patients did not experience any neurological complications. One patient experienced slight temporary hemiparesis. There was no postoperative vascular graft thrombosis. Donor site complications did not occur. CONCLUSIONS Reconstructing the carotid artery using an SFV is very effective due to the ease in harvesting the vessel and its optimal size and length for carotid artery replacement.