Reconstruction of the internal jugular vein with triple-paneled great saphenous vein graft

Abstract

Abstract Background Reconstruction of the internal jugular vein with the great saphenous vein requires difficulty in overcoming size discrepancy. We describe a triple-paneled method of saphenous vein grafting for this purpose. Case presentation A 54-year-old man with a thyroid papillary carcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. The right internal jugular vein was transected, and the resultant defect was 8 cm long. Harvested great saphenous vein graft 30 cm in length was divided into three pieces of equal length. Each piece was opened longitudinally and sutured together side-by-side like panels to make a composite graft of three-fold caliber. The defect of the internal jugular vein was reconstructed with this composite graft. The long-term patency of the internal jugular vein was achieved. Conclusions The triple-paneled method can be a versatile option for reconstructing the internal jugular vein with the great saphenous vein in terms of the diameter ratio between the two veins.