Successful cryopreservation of microvenous allografts

Vein grafts are used in approximately 20% of microsurgical cases. Although autogenous veins currently form the major source, they are associated with increased operating time and donor site scars. Cryopreserved allograft veins may serve as an alternative source. To our knowledge, cryopreservation of veins (1 mm or less) has not been reported. In this article we have described the process of cryopreserving rat veins (less than 1 mm in diameter) and their preliminary use as interpositional vein grafts.