Introduction
The most commonly used bypass graft for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting surgery is the long saphenous vein, also known as the great saphenous vein. It is the largest vein in the body. Veins are vessels that carry blood that is low in oxygen back to our heart.
What is leg vein ultrasound scanning?
Ultrasound scanning works by using high frequency sound waves which bounce off muscle and tissue to create an image. When using leg vein ultrasound scanning this allows the practitioner to view the anatomy of the long saphenous vein.
What does the ultrasound machine look like?
Why is it important to ultrasound the long saphenous vein prior to Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?
Using the ultrasound allows the practitioner to check whether the long saphenous vein is suitable and helps to decide the best bypass graft choice for surgery.
What does the procedure involve?
This is a painless procedure and may be performed on the ward or in the anesthetic room prior to surgery. You will be asked to expose the ankle up until the groin area. A water-based lubricant gel will be placed on the leg enhancing sound wave transmission allowing a clear image to be produced on the ultrasound screen. The ultrasound probe will then be applied to the leg following the pathway of the long saphenous vein, the position of the leg might be adjusted during the procedure. No other preparation is required. Once the procedure is finished, the lubricant can be wiped off the leg. Allergic reactions to ultrasound gel are rare and most commonly due to allergic contact dermatitis, a form of eczema.
Who performs the vein scan?
The leg vein ultrasound scanning is usually preformed by the Surgical Care Practitioner, less frequently this procedure is performed by the Surgeon or Registrar.
Will removal of the long saphenous vein affect my legs circulation?
No. There are many other veins in the leg that will carry blood back to the heart, so your legs circulation should not be affected.
Benefits of the scan
- Optimizes surgical site selection thus helping to avoid unnecessary incisions.
- Assists in the identification of best possible vein to use on the heart.
Drawbacks of the scan
- There are no drawbacks of using ultrasound vein scanning. It is a non-invasive procedure.
How long will it take?
The ultrasound vein scanning should take between fifteen to twenty minutes.
Any further questions
Please contact Ward 16 on 0113 392 7416 if you have any concerns or alternatively ask the Surgical Care Practitioner when they are performing your scan.
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