Pathophysiology of Saphenous Vein Graft Disease
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Several factors contribute to stenosis of saphenous vein grafts, including intimal hyperplasia, plaque formation, and graft remodeling. Additionally, arterialization of the graft accelerates atherosclerosis. Furthermore, atheroma found in SVGs are more friable (easily break into small pieces) and more prone to thrombus than plaques found in native vessels. Another reason why SVGs are more susceptible to thrombotic occlusion is that they lack side branches.