Lyophilized veins studied by scanning electron microscopy.
Human saphenous veins were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The intention was to analyze the suitability of lyophilized homologous veins for homografting when no autologous venous material is available for replacement of obstructed arterial segments. Cross-sectioned specimens revealed the intimal layer of the venous wall to be compactly structured, while the median and external parts were found to be loosely organized and contained numerous cavities. The luminal surface coat displayed the typical aspects of an intact endothelium with occasional fine deposits of fibrin. Defects of the inner layer were only rarely observed, and are caused when the endothelium was stuck to the PVC catheter prior to lyophilization. From a morphological point of view, lyophilized veins seem to be sutiable for replacement of arterial segments. Based on our findings suggestions are made for optimal preparation of the venous material.
D005612:Freeze Drying; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000637:transplantation / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery