Preferential use of basilic vein for surgical repair of popliteal aneurysms via the posterior approach

The patient is placed prone on the operating table for right popliteal aneurysm repair by the posterior approach. Marking for the S-shaped popliteal incision is seen on a visible bulge over a 4-cm aneurysm. The left arm has been abducted and placed so that the basilic vein in the upper arm may be harvested conveniently (marked), and both great saphenous veins at the knee level have been marked as well.

Schematic drawing shows a prone patient with the left arm abducted to allow access to upper arm basilic vein (continuous line). The popliteal incision (S-shaped dotted line) and great saphenous veins (broken lines) are marked on the legs.