Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

What is the most common surgical use for saphenous vein allografts?

1. Coronary artery bypass grafts

2. Superficial dialysis shunts

3. To treat peripheral vascular disease

4. Abdominal aortic bypass

The correct answer is: To treat peripheral vascular disease

Saphenous vein allografts are primarily used in surgical procedures for their effectiveness in facilitating blood flow in those suffering from peripheral vascular disease. This condition involves insufficient blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain and mobility issues. The saphenous vein, taken from a donor, can be used to bypass blocked vessels and restore adequate circulation to the affected areas. By contrast, while they might also be utilized in other contexts such as coronary bypass grafting or in shunts for dialysis, the use in peripheral vascular disease is notable for the combination of their availability, structure, and the relatively better long-term outcomes they can offer in this specific application. Thus, the focus on the treatment of peripheral vascular disease firmly establishes it as the most common surgical use for saphenous vein allografts.