ORIGINAL ARTICLES  VASCULAR SECTION 

The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery 2004 April;45(2):139-42

Copyright © 2004 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Venous blood flow through vein grafts before harvesting minimizes endothelial cell desquamation immediately after implantation

Asada H., Sasajima T., Inaba M., Azuma N., Akasaka N., Uchida H., Haga M.

Department of Surgery Asahikawa Medical University Asahikawa, Japan

Aim. The aim of this paper was to examine effectiveness of maintaining venous blood flow through dissected, but not harvested, grafts on prostaglandin I2 production and endothelial cell regeneration after implantation.
Methods. Using 10 dogs, 8-cm-long bilateral jugular veins were dissected; 1 was harvested, and immersed in heparinized blood for 60 or 120 min. The other was left in situ with retained blood flow until harvest after 60 or 120 min. Two 1-cm-long specimens were obtained from these 4 graft types and subjected to PGI2 assay or silver nitrate staining for measurement of endothelial cell coverage area. The remaining 6-cm portions of the 120-min grafts were autogenously implanted into the abdominal aorta, retrieved after 7 days and assayed and measured.
Results. Comparisons between groups suggested beneficial effects of preserving venous blood flow until implantation on endothelial coverage and PGI2 production (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Venous blood flow through dissected vein grafts effectively helps preserve PGI2 production.