Morphologic Studies in Saphenous Vein Grafts for Aorto-coronary Bypass Surgery Part II: Influence of a Pressure-limited Graft Dilation

Summary

The evidence of considerable damage caused by stretching to the vein transplants for aorto-coronary bypasses led us to a modified technique of vein dilation that allows control and limitation of the pressure to procedure in terms of reduced damage to the vascular wall was investigated by microscopic and electronmicroscopic methods. It could be shown that the integrity of the intimal layer of vein grafts can be maintained to a high degree. Clinically this implies that the long-term patency rate of aorto-coronary veingrafts may be improved. This will be subject to further coronarographic studies during the follow-up of a present series of patients.

Key words

Coronary surgery - Graft patency - Vein preparation