Non-interventional study aiming to ascertain the mechanical properties of human saphenous and popliteal vein tissue.

The aim of this study is to mechanically characterise saphenous and popliteal vein segments that have been deemed waste following varicose vein procedures, lower limb amputation and lower limb bypass surgery.

By characterising the stress-stretch relationship of the vein vessel wall, treatment techniques can be better understood. Mechanical device design can be bteer informed and the the suitability of vein as a conduit for bypass and AVF procedures can be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female patients aged 18 years or older
• Patients undergoing varicose vein procedures or;
• Patients undergoing lower limb amputation or;
• Patients undergoing lower limb bypass surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unable to give informed consent
• Seriously ill/unconscious patients

Study population will consist of individuals under the care of a Vascular Consultant. Patients will be asked to participate if they are going for a procedure in which there will be vein tissue waste that would usually be discarded in the operating theatre. The procedures of interest are Varicose Vein Procedures, Lower Limb Amputation and Lower Limb Bypass Surgery.

Vein Tissue will be shared with research collaborators at the Univeristy of Limerick for the purpose of mechanical characterisation.

Patient data will not leave the site of origin. No patient identifiable data will be shared. Vein tissue sample will be labelled with a study number and dated. No patient identifiable data will be labelled on the specimen container.