In vivo (animal) models of vein graft disease

Despite the very important use of arterial bypass conduits, vein grafts remain one cornerstone in coronary surgery. Newer studies show a saphenous vein graft patency of about 60% at 10 years postoperatively. This article reviews the in vivo (animal) models of vein graft disease. According to the different models, the findings on pathology of graft thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia, and vein graft atherosclerosis are summarized. Therapeutic strategies to prevent vein graft disease (including external stenting, pharmacotherapy, and gene therapy) are reviewed.