[Vein reconstruction in lower limb injuries (author's transl)].

Reconstructive venous surgery is essential in lower limb injuries to avoid circulatory insufficiency when the main vein is severed. The repair requires a vein graft with adequate lumen--two segments of the saphenous vein are slit open and sutured together. A technique for atraumatic preparation of this composite graft is described. A peripheral temporary A-V fistula is advocated to prevent thrombosis of the graft.