Vascular graft storage solution preserves endothelial function

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Karl Landsteiner Institute Cardiovascular Research

Saline is still the most widely used storage and flushing solution in cardiovascular procedures despite knowing evidence of its influence on the human endothelial cell function. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of DuraGraft©, an intraoperative graft treatment solution, on human saphenous vein segments, rat aortic segments and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in comparison to saline.

Within 12 patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass surgery, saphenous vein graft segments were randomized to DuraGraft© (n=12/6) or saline (n=12/6) solution before intraoperative storage. These segments as well as rat aortic segments underwent assessment of vascular function in a multichamber isometric myograph system in comparison to Krebs-Henseleit solution (KHS), a physiologic organ buffer solution. Additionally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for cell viability tests.

KCl-induced contraction showed a tendency toward increase when treated with DuraGraft© compared to normal saline preservation of human vein segments (24.73±16.22 vs. 15.59±9.53 N/m2, P

DuraGraft© demonstrated a favorable effect on graft relaxation and contraction indicating preservation of vascular endothelial function. Saline is clearly not only inferior to this specialized solution but may show additional harmful effects to viability.