VVCS: A compact and resource-efficient system for pulsatile-pressure culture of human saphenous veins.

The great saphenous vein (SV) is widely used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but vein graft failure remains associated with endothelial injury and intimal hyperplasia. Sophisticated ex vivo platforms can reproduce complex coronary hemodynamics, yet their construction, operating cost, space requirements, and culture throughput may limit routine laboratory use. 

Methods

We developed a simple and economical in vitro vessel culture system (VVCS) comprising a custom Petri dish, a closed tubing circuit, a peristaltic pump, a pressurized medium bag, and pressure monitoring. Human SV segments from three CABG patients were cultured for 14 days under steady-direction perfusion and pulsatile pressure of 80/120 mmHg at a pump setting of 60-80 RPM. Histology, CD31 immunostaining, and EVG staining were used to assess early remodeling. 

Results

No contamination was observed during 14 days of culture. Histology demonstrated lumen dilation, medial fiber rearrangement, and focal structural injury. Endothelial coverage decreased in all three samples (Wilcoxon P = 0.25). Mean intimal thickness increased by 1.63-2.35 μm; the donor-level Wilcoxon test yielded P = 0.25, while a repeated-measures linear mixed-effects analysis estimated a mean increase of 2.07 μm (95% CI, 1.75-2.40 μm; P = 5.49 x 10^-5). 

Conclusion

The VVCS combines a compact architecture, low medium demand, efficient parallel culture, and sustained pulsatile-pressure conditioning. It provides an accessible model for investigating SV early pressure-associated remodeling after CABG and establishes a foundation for subsequent studies.