Cardioplegic storage solution: Is it the guardian of saphenous vein graft endothelium?

Introduction Despite their suboptimal long-term patency, saphenous vein grafts are the most widely used conduits to achieve complete revascularization during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Although vein storage critically impairs endothelial integrity, contradictory data concerning optimal storage solutions exist. The aim of this study is to explore any in vitro impact of cardioplegic solutions and temperature on vein grafts endothelial integrity during their storage. Materials and Methods A single-center, prospective trial including 40 consecutive patients was conducted. Eligibility criteria included patients submitted to CABG receiving at least one vein graft. An excess segment of the graft was harvested and divided into four different parts. Each one of them was stored under different conditions; either in a conventional heparin-enriched blood solution or in a cardioplegic solution, at room temperature (20 degrees C-22 degrees C) and in the refrigerator (5 degrees C). Endothelial integrity was evaluated via immunohistochemistry using an antibody against CD31. Results Endothelial integrity (measured in a scale from 1-worst to 5-best) was significantly better after cardioplegic solution storage (2.83 +/- 0.15 and 3.10 +/- 0.13 in cold and room temperature, respectively) compared with storage in conventional solutions (2.23 +/- 0.16 and 2.0 +/- 0.15 in cold and room temperature, respectively). A significant effect of cardioplegic storage solution, as well as of cold temperature and cardioplegic solution interaction on endothelial preservation was reported, whereas storage temperature did not prove a significant factor by its own. Conclusions Cardioplegic storage solutions result in significantly better endothelial preservation compared with conventional heparin-enriched blood solutions. The association with superior clinical outcomes remains to be proved.