What happens to the veins in my leg used for heart bypass surgery?
Veins which become incompetent and dilated are not suitable for heart or any artery bypass. These veins are abnormal, too large, and will clot and close within three to six months after the bypass. An abnormal saphenous vein should never be used for artery bypass of any kind. Heart surgeons now use other blood vessels for bypass, or use veins which are not abnormal.
