Heparinized blood better preserves cellular energy charge and vascular functions of intraoperatively stored saphenous vein grafts in comparison to isotonic sodium-chloride-solution

Abstract

Heparinized blood better preserves vascular contractile and endothelial functions of the saphenous vein graft. Storage in NaCl rapidly compromises vascular functions and impaires cellular energy. NaCl should no longer be recommended for intraoperative storage of harvested V. saphena grafts.