Early biomechanical changes in lower extremity vein grafts—distinct temporal phases of remodeling and wall stiffness

A, Mean index segment lumen diameter changes of the entire population, demonstrating early outward remodeling most pronounced between 0 and 1 month, P = .002. B, Scatter plot demonstrating mean and range of remodeling of graft configurations composed of greater saphenous veins in the 0-1 month and 1-3 month time interval. Data shown are for individual grafts with measurements at both of the indicated time points. All values are presented as mean ± SEM.

Great saphenous vein and arm vein index segments remodel in a similar fashion during the first month after bypass grafting. However, they diverge markedly between 1 and 6 months, P < .001. All values are presented as the mean index segment lumen diameter ± SEM.

Early outward remodeling of the index segment is positively correlated with initial vein graft shear stress (r = .54, P = .03).

The overall population of grafts showed an increase in wall stiffness (P = .014) during the first 6 months after bypass graft, with the major change observed between 1 and 3 months. Graphed values are presented as the mean ± SEM.