Venoarterialvenous

Venoarterialvenous (VAV) is a surgical procedure used to treat certain types of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI). In this procedure, a vein graft is used to bypass a blockage in the artery, creating a new pathway for blood flow. The term "venoarterialvenous" refers to the use of a vein as the graft, with the artery serving as the recipient vessel and the vein as the donor vessel.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. A vein, usually from the leg, is harvested and prepared for use as a graft.

2. The artery with the blockage is exposed and prepared for the graft.

3. The vein graft is sutured or stapled to the artery, creating a new pathway for blood flow.

4. The vein graft is then connected to a vein in the leg, allowing for blood flow to return to the body.

VAV is often used as an alternative to arterial bypass surgery, which uses a piece of artery as the graft. VAV may be preferred in certain cases due to the availability of suitable veins, the patient's overall health, or the specific anatomy of the affected limb.

Post-operative care for VAV typically involves managing pain, preventing blood clots, and monitoring for any complications such as infection or graft failure. Patients may need to use crutches or a walker for a period of time to aid in recovery.