The effect of lidocaine on the endothelium damage in rabbit vein grafts

To investigate the effects of perivascular and intravenous application of lidocaine on venous endothelial morphology of harvested rabbit vein graft.

This study was conducted in Gazi University Animal Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey in March 2009. Three ear veins of each rabbits (n=6) were used. Control group (Group C, n=6 vessels), vein segment was excised from the distal end. Perivascular group (Group P, n=6); 2 ml lidocaine 1% was injected in the perivascular area of the second vein of the same ear, and the vein segment was excised. Intravascular group (Group I, n=6); the vein in the second ear was clamped and 2 ml of lidocaine 1% was administered intravascular, and 5 minutes later, a 2 cm vein segment was excised. Nitric oxide synthase and thiobarbutiric acid reactive substance levels were measured, and histopathologic examination was performed to assess the effects of lidocaine administration.

Histopathological findings in groups C, P and I were similar. There were lower thiobarbituric reactive substances level in groups I (p=0.024) and P (p=0.041) than the control group. Nitric oxide synthase activity was higher in groups I (p=0.026) and P (p=0.037) when compared to group C.

Our results showed both perivascular infiltration and intravascular administration could prevent the consequences of endothelium damage that occurs during the harvesting of veins.