Improved Vein Graft Patency Using a Novel No-touch Technique Is Due to preserved Nitric Oxide Synthase

摘要

The saphenous vein (SV) is the most commonly used conduit for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) with over 50% failing within 10 years. Using conventional methods of harvesting damage is caused due to surgical trauma. A ' no-touch' technique (NT) of CABG has been described, where the SV is not distended and removed with its surrounding tissue. An increased patency rate has been described using NT compared to conventional grafts that may be due to a retention of nitric oxide (NO). We have identified a reduction in NO synthase (NOS), the enzyme responsible for the generation of NO. in regions of conventionally prepared SV that are involved in graft failure. Our results suggest that the success of the NT technique is due to preservation of tissue-derived NO.