Serial Quantitative Coronary Analyses for the Evaluation of One-Year Change in Saphenous Vein Grafts

Background A paucity of data exists with respect to changes in whole saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) despite accelerated atherosclerosis within grafted saphenous vein conduits. In the present study, we evaluated the one-year change in SVGs by means of quantitative coronary analysis. Methods This study enrolled consecutive 52 patients with 109 SVGs, who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery successfully. A follow-up study was performed in 33 patients with 65 SVGs after one year because 16 SVGs were obstructed (baseline, 8; follow-up period, 8), and 15 patients with 28 SVGs dropped out within one year. Results Both minimal and mean lumen diameters decreased significantly (3.17 ± 0.64 mm vs 2.41 ± 0.57 mm, p < 0.001; 3.70 ± 0.69 mm vs 2.92 ± 0.70 mm, p < 0.001; respectively). Graft length also decreased significantly (107.1 ± 25.8 vs 100.6 ± 25.2 mm, p < 0.001). The graft shortening rate (graft shortening length/baseline graft length × 100) was greater than 5% in 33 vessels (51%) and greater than 10% in 23 vessels (35%). Coronary risk factors (smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia) did not reveal significant relationship with late loss of minimal and mean lumen diameters. Conclusions The present study showed a considerable and uniform lumen loss of SVGs after one year, irrespective of coronary risk factors. Graft length shortening was seen more than elongation.