The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 32, 68-74, Copyright © 1981 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Use of cold cardioplegic solution for vein graft distention and preservation: a light and scanning electron microscopic study
M Kurusz, EW Christman, JR Derrick, GF Tyers and EH Williams
To evaluate the effect of a cardioplegic solution on the endothelium of the
saphenous vein, portions of this vein were harvested from each of 5
patients undergoing coronary artery bypass operation. Each sample was
divided into five segments. One segment was distended with heparinized
saline solution, one with heparinized blood, and one with heparinized
cardioplegic solution (25 mEq of potassium per liter). All of the
distending solutions were kept at 10 degrees C, and pressure was carefully
limited to 200 mm Hg. The fourth segment of vein was distended with
heparinized saline solution but no effort was made to limit distending
pressure, and the fifth segment was not distended. All samples were then
examined with light and scanning electron microscopy. There were no great
morphological differences in the endothelium of veins distended to 200 mm
Hg with saline solution, blood, or cardioplegic solution. The morphology of
these samples compared favorably with the control vein endothelium although
scattered areas of endothelial disruption were present in every sample.
Veins distended without pressure control showed massive endothelial
disruption. The particular solution used to distend the sephenous veins is
not as important as limiting the distending pressure.
