[Evolution of biomechanical changes and microstructural components in autogenous vein grafts].

We evaluated the compliance characteristics of autogenous vein grafts clinically and experimentally. The image analysis instrument was applied in measuring the relative contents of elastin and collagen of the grafts. The results showed the consistent compliance mismatch between the vein graft and the host artery, but no definitive bearing on abnormal blood flow velocity waveform by the compliance mismatch. The compliance characteristics of the vein graft resembled these of the vein rather than those of the artery. The relative contents of elastin and collagen within the graft wall and the ratio of collagen to elastin (C/E) did not change significantly as a function of time. The vein graft and vein had the similar value of C/E, which was lower than that of the artery.