Regional differences in vein wall dynamics under arterial hemodynamic conditions: comparison with arteries

Factors that explain the different results among veins, and causes of the superior performance of vein grafts for small arterial reconstructions, remain unclear. The aim was to compare the biomechanical behavior of veins and arteries from different regions and sizes under arterial conditions. In vitro pressure and diameter were measured in four different veins and three different ovine arteries. A diameter-pressure transfer function was designed, and compliance, viscous, and inertial indexes, and viscous energy and buffering function were calculated. Regional differences in vein mechanical behavior and energy dissipation were found. Veins and arteries vary in mechanical properties and buffering, but the differences were lesser when considering the smallest artery. The differences among veins' viscosity, compliance, and energy dissipation, but not in the buffering capability, could be related to different performances of veins when used as arterial grafts. The major biomechanical matching could contribute to explain veins with better results in small arteries reconstruction.