This question is pertaining to Anatomy and Physiology

Question

1) In the surgical procedure called a bypass graft, a vessel is removed from a patient and used to make a vascular bridge that bypasses one of that patient's blocked arteries. A common vessel used for this procedure is the greater saphenous vein. Why do you think a surgeon might use the greater saphenous vein instead of the femoral vein or a large artery?

Answer 1

There are several reasons for this. The saphenous vein is close to the surface allowing for easier access by surgeons. Another feature of it is the length. It is one of the longest veins in the body, running the length of the leg. One other features of it is that studies have demonstrated when the saphenous vein is removed, blood that usually circulates through it will find another way. Therefore, the removal of it is not detrimental to the body.

As few other veins have this characteristic, the saphenous vein is the ideal choice for a bypass graft.