What is the patency of the short saphenous vein when used for coronary artery bypass grafting?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was what the patency of the short saphenous vein is, when used for coronary artery bypass grafting. Altogether 347 papers were found using the reported search, of which nine represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that small reports give a two-year patency of 77% and a six-year patency of 65% and duplex studies show that the short saphenous vein may be from 2.8 mm to 4.2 mm in diameter. However, caution should be applied when considering these patency rates as they are derived from individual studies of <40 patients. The lesser saphenous vein may be considered as an alternative to brachial or cephalic vein in patients with unsuitable long saphenous vein, and unsuitable mammary, radial or gastroepiploic arteries.