Maintained Geometry, Elasticity and Contractility of Human Saphenous Vein Segments Stored in a Complex Tissue Culture Medium

摘要: Abstract Objective Improved maintenance of endothelial function and higher viability saphenous vein grafts stored in a complex tissue culture medium (TCM) have been demonstrated. This article studies the biomechanical properties segments. Design Biomechanical 72 segments remaining from coronary bypass grafting 32 patients studied after different storage procedures. Materials The materials included fresh segments, cooled conventional physiological salt solution (normal Krebs–Ringer (nKR)) for 1–2 weeks, chemically defined TCM (X-Vivo) 1,2,3 4 weeks cryopreserved few weeks. Methods Specimens were cannulated at both ends pressure–diameter curves recorded 0–85-mmHg range nKR with 10 μM norepinephrine added to induce maximum smooth muscle contraction, as well Ca2+-free full relaxation. Tensile strength was checked 300 mmHg. Distensibility, elastic modulus active strain computed. Results Segments dilated morphologically, their distensibility decreased they lost ability contract (1.5 ± 0.7% 10.1 ± 1.5% control) 1 week. TCM-stored preserved contractility until week, this parameter only slowly afterwards (first 11.5 ± 7.3%; fourth 3.9 ± 0.6%). There slight decrease wall thickness but lumen diameter not affected. parameters these practically identical those Cryopreserved narrowed thickened diminished. Conclusions Storage helps preserve passive human Such can be expected improve graft viability.