The art of saphenous vein grafting and patency maintenance.

Although the saphenous vein graft is used in the majority of coronary artery bypass grafting operations, graft failure still remains a major problem. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been identified. These could be mitigated by better vein segment selection together with improved harvesting, handling, and surgical technique. Furthermore, drugs could help maintain graft patency. Data from some current research development regarding enhanced graft patency are promising.