The short saphenous vein: an alternative to the long saphenous vein for aortocoronary bypass.

The long saphenous vein and internal mammary artery are considered at present to be the best grafts available for coronary artery bypass. Patients who have had bilateral long saphenous vein stripping and who require multiple aortocoronary bypass grafts present a challenge to the cardiac surgeon. The short saphenous vein appears to be a suitable alterative.