Comparative evaluation of vein graft preparation media: electron and light microscopic studies.

Arterial reconstructions using autogenous veins are often compromised by late graft stenoses, diffuse constrictions, and occasional aneurysmal dilatations. Comprehensive studies of alterations within vein grafts, following transplantation to the arterial circulation, are few in number. Knowledge is even more meager regarding the immediate effects of differing procurement, preparation and placement techniques upon transplanted veins. The present investigation entails a light and electron microscopic assessment of early cellular and subcellular changes following use of three different vein graft preparation media.