Where
are
these
pieces of healthy blood vessels from?
Veins
In both of your legs is a vein called the Greater Saphenous Vein.
This vein runs from your ankle all the way to your groin. This vein,
like all veins, carries blood back up to your heart. This is the blood
vessel that is taken to use as a new, clean pathway for your
bypasses. Your body will adjust to the removal of this vein but for
some time you may have some swelling in the leg(s) from which
the vein was taken.
In the past, one long incision was made to remove this vein. Today,
the vein is taken through a small incision with the assistance of a
camera. This procedure usually only requires a small incision to be
made on the leg. At times, larger incisions or multiple incisions still
may be necessary.
Before your surgery vein mapping (an ultrasound) will be performed on your leg to take a look
at your saphenous vein. This gives the surgical team an idea of the size and health of your vein.
A blue line will be drawn on your leg showing the location of this vein.
Arteries
25

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