Key Points
- Synthesize current evidence on human saphenous vein pharmacology, harvesting-related injury, drug interactions, and disease-induced alterations that influence bypass graft patency.
- Reviewed structural, mechanical, and functional adaptations of the human saphenous vein transitioning to arterial hemodynamic conditions.
- Analyzed the effects of harvesting distention pressures, cardiovascular pharmacological agents, and systemic vascular diseases on vein graft reactivity.
- Exposure of venous conduits to arterial pulsatile flow, cyclic strain, and high shear stress drives intima hyperproliferation, atherosclerotic degeneration, and early thrombosis.
- Elevated distention pressures during graft preparation cause mechanical wall injury that significantly accelerates graft occlusion.
- Multiple cardiovascular drug classes and chronic cardiovascular diseases directly alter vein vascular tone and structural remodeling.
Structured PICO
PPopulationHuman saphenous vein used in coronary and peripheral revascularization surgery
This review summarizes the pharmacology, harvesting techniques, and effects of cardiovascular drugs and diseases on the human saphenous vein used in bypass grafts.