Dimethylsulfoxide-treated, cryopreserved venous allografts in the arterial and venous systems

Autologous saphenous vein is the preferred conduit for most vascular reconstructive procedures; however, many authorities have emphasized the need for a reliable alternate. This study was designed to assess the short-term patency of dimethylsulfoxide-treated, cryopreserved saphenous vein allografts in both high- and low-flow states. An early patency rate of 58.3% was found for such allografts interposed in the arterial system. No instance of aneurysm formation was noted. Allografts interposed in the venous system uniformly occluded within 5 weeks. However, in animals treated with aspirin and dipyridamole there was an 83% early patency rate for cryopreserved allografts in the venous system. These studies suggest that dimethylsulfoxide cryopreservation is a viable technique for venous allograft preservation as demonstrated by satisfactory short-term patency of grafts implanted in the arterial system. The results also suggest that treatment with aspirin and dipyridamole has a beneficial effect on the early patency of such grafts placed in the venous system.