Effects of moderate pressure distention on the proximal and distal sections of the saphenous vein

Abstract

Studies have shown that the distention and traction of a vein leads to the loss of cells and the function of the endothelia. Here, we aimed to compare the effects of pressure distention on the proximal and distal parts of the saphenous vein. Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. The proximal and distal saphenous vein segments were distended to three different pressure levels for two minutes: 100 mmHg, 200 mmHg, and 300 mmHg. In addition, the proximal and distal parts of the saphenous vein were compared with the immunohistochemical examinations and the organ bath system. The endothelial cell loss was similar in the proximal and distal segments at 300 mmHg. However, the endothelial cell loss rate was greater in the proximal segments than the distal segments at 100 mmHg and 200 mmHg (P=0.02 and P=0.06, respectively). The relaxation response of the proximal samples distended to 100 mmHg and 200 mmHg was significantly decreased when compared to the distal segment samples (P=0.049 and P=0.047, respectively). Furthermore, there was no relaxation response in the segment samples distended to 300 mmHg. While preparing the graft, inflations with pressures lower than 100 mmHg result in less endothelial damage, and are relatively protective on the graft functions. In this study, we have shown that the endothelial tissue of the distal saphenous vein is more resistant to moderate pressure.