The effect of storage solutions, gene therapy, and antiproliferative agents on endothelial function and saphenous vein graft patency.

Vein graft failure remains a major concern after coronary artery bypass graft operations, and is initiated by loss of endothelial cell integrity. Preservation of saphenous vein grafts in the optimal solution after meticulous harvesting can limit the endothelial damage. Despite both experimental and clinical results in favor of buffered solutions, normal saline is still the most widely used solution. This review examines the literature to identify the most optimal storage solutions currently available for vein graft preservation.