Medicina (Nov 2024)

The Saphenous Vein Graft: Can a Frog Become a Princess?

  • Antonio Maria Calafiore,
  • Sotirios Prapas,
  • Ignazio Condello,
  • Konstantinos Katsavrias,
  • Giuseppe Nasso,
  • Mario Gaudino

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60121915
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 60, no. 12
p. 1915

Abstract

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The saphenous vein graft (SVG) has been a cornerstone of coronary bypass surgery, but its long-term patency is limited by accelerated atherosclerosis. Recent advancements, including the no-touch technique and the use of SVG as a limb of the left internal thoracic artery (LITA), have shown promise in improving outcomes. Both approaches enhance nitric oxide (NO) availability, a key factor in promoting endothelial stability and arterial-like behavior in the SVG. Among these, the LITA-SVG connection may offer superior long-term benefits due to sustained NO supplementation. This paper argues that the SVG, with proper strategies, can indeed achieve outcomes comparable to arterial grafts.

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