Efficacy of Intraoperative Vein Graft Storage Solutions in Preserving Endothelial Cell Integrity during Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

(1) Introduction: Intraoperative preservation solutions for saphenous vein grafts may influence the endothelial structure and increase the risk of graft failure after coronary surgery. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of three solutions in maintaining the endothelial cell integrity of venous segments. (2) Methods: We tested the efficacy of physiological saline solution (PSS), heparinized autologous blood (HAB) and DuraGraft(®) in preserving the endothelium of vein segments by evaluating the degree of endothelial cell apoptosis. Two incubation times (2 and 4 h from harvesting) were used for each solution. The quantification of apoptotic cells was computed as the intensity nuclei/intensity area ratio. (3) Results: After 2 h of ischemia, the degree of apoptosis decreased progressively across the use of DuraGraft, HAB and PSS (p = 0.004), although only the difference between DuraGraft and PSS yielded a statistical significance (p = 0.002). After 4 h, a similar decrease in apoptosis was shown across the three media; however, statistical significance was not reached. The analysis of the elapsed time (2 or 4 h of incubation) showed that this was a relevant factor in maintaining the endothelial structural integrity independently from the storage solution (test for interaction of media and time p = 0.010). (4) Conclusion: Within 2 h of incubation, endothelial structural integrity depended on the incubating medium. DuraGraft better protected the SVG against ischemic-induced apoptosis when compared to saline solution. Prolonged ischemia was associated with extended endothelium damage and none of the studied solutions protected the vein graft.