A comparative study of storage solutions on the biomechanical preservation of human saphenous veins

Storage solutions have a significant impact on the physiological properties of saphenous veins (SV), yet their effects on the biomechanics remained unclear. This study investigated how different storage solutions affect the biomechanical properties of SV. The goal was to find a solution that minimally impacts SV biomechanics, providing an effective method for SV preservation. A total of 108 SV samples (54 axial, 54 circumferential) were randomly divided into four groups: Baseline (tested within 24 h after surgical removal), and three stored for 72 h-sodium lactated ringer's solution (SLR), physiological saline (PS), and Air. Uniaxial tensile experiments were performed, and differences in elastic modulus, maximum stress, and average stress-strain curves were evaluated. In the axial direction, the elastic modulus of SVs stored in SLR was significantly higher than in PS (7.21 ± 2.78 MPa vs. 3.90 ± 1.54 MPa, p = 0.009) and similar to Baseline (vs. 8.52 ± 3.43 MPa), while the PS group did not differ significantly from the Air group (3.90 ± 1.54 MPa vs. 2.50 ± 1.34 MPa, p > 0.99). The maximum stress in SLR was similar to Baseline (1.92 ± 0.82 MPa vs. 1.91 ± 0.58 MPa) and significantly higher than in PS (vs. 1.05 ± 0.56 MPa, p = 0.002). Similar trends could also be observed in the circumferential direction. PS significantly impairs the mechanical performance of SVs, while short-term storage in SLR can effectively preserve the biomechanical characteristics of SVs. SLR may be considered as an effective short-term storage solution for SV.