Advantages of superficial femoral vein grafts for carotid artery reconstruction following carotid artery resection in the treatment of head and neck cancer

Conclusion: Reconstruction of the carotid artery using the superficial femoral vein (SFV) is very effective due to the ease in harvesting the vessel and its optimal size and length for carotid artery replacement. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of carotid artery reconstruction using the SFV. Methods: Ten patients with malignant tumors involving the carotid artery underwent carotid artery resection followed by reconstruction with the SFV. The SFV between the deep femoral vein and branches to the great saphenous vein and deep femoral vein at the popliteal region was used as a reconstructive vessel. Results: The mean length and diameter of the grafted SFVs were 13.9 cm and 11.2 mm, respectively. The mean time for acquisition of SFV was 18 min. Ultrasonography measurements indicated that the mean lumen diameter of the common carotid artery was 8.37 mm. None of the patients experienced any permanent neurologic complications. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 60% and 40%, respectively. En bloc resection of the cancer and involved carotid artery followed by reconstruction with the SFV provides effective locoregional control. Our results indicated no postoperative vascular graft thrombosis and no donor site complications.