Resolution of Saphenous Vein Graft Stenosis with Exercise: A Case Report

Abstract 

Graft failure remains a significant clinical problem following infra-inguinal vein bypass surgery, with failure rates of 30–50% at 5 years. We present a case of saphenous vein graft stenosis in a 41-year old man which resolved spontaneously over eighteen weeks, without active vascular intervention. We attribute the observed improvement in graft haemodynamics and symptomology to the dedicated exercise regimen undertaken by the patient: cycling, swimming and cross-training a combined total of 125km weekly. This case underscores the importance of aerobic exercise following vein bypass grafting in the lower limb.

Keywords: Vein graft stenosis, Haemodynamics, Exercise