From time to time we have patients asking us about leg veins removal in relation to coronary artery surgery. The question can go like this: “My doctor told me not to remove my leg veins because i may need them later in life for a coronary bypass operation, is this true?”

Let a Heart Surgeon answer your Leg Veins Removal question

Luckily for us, my being a physician who is board certified in thoracic surgery and having practiced cardiac surgery for over 20 years, means that we have more insight into this issue of leg veins removal and coronary artery surgery than most.

Newer and More Common Procedures do not use Leg Veins

Yes, the great saphenous leg vein is still the most common conduit used for coronary artery bypass surgery. But, there are more and more arterial grafts being performed. In addition there is less and less coronary artery surgery being performed because of better risk factor control, better medications and stenting.

If You Have Varicose Veins Your Saphenous Vein May Not be the Best Choice

The saphenous veins of patients with venous insufficiency and varicose veins are diseased and extremely large which make them poor conduits. Because their diameters are so large the velocity of flow in the vein is slow which leads to early graft closure.

Don’t Worry about Leg Veins Removal

Therefore this should be of no concern to patients suffering from varicose vein disease and want their leg veins removed. In addition, the venous ablation is often performed at or a little below the level of the knee which leaves the saphenous vein in the lower leg which is usually smaller if needed.