Morphometric characteristics of the great saphenous vein as graft for surgical myocardial revascularization in relation to sex

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The significant difference in the patency of venous coronary grafts in relation to sex still does not have a clearly defined cause. Our research determined the existence of morphometric differences in the wall of the great saphenous vein, in relation to sex.

Methods The research included 268 patients classified by sex in five age groups, who underwent morphometric measurement of the wall of the great saphenous vein.

Results In our research, no significant difference was found in the total thickness of the vein wall between the sexes (p = 0.111), nor was significant association found between wall thickness, age, and sex. The average thickness of the intimal layer of the vein wall was significantly higher in male subjects (p = 0.005), and multivariate regression analysis found a significant correlation between intimal thickness, age and sex (p < 0.001). The medial layer of the vein in women was significantly larger (p < 0.001), both overall and in all age groups. Multivariate regression analysis confirmed a significant association between media thickness, age and sex (p < 0.001). The thickness of the adventitial layer was significantly higher in men (p = 0.031) and a significant association between the thickness of the adventitia, age and sex was also determined (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Our results indicate significant morphometric differences in the wall of the great saphenous vein in relation to sex and age of the patients, which can be related to significant difference in the flow rate of vein grafts in coronary surgery in relation to sex.

Keywords: cardiac surgery; vein morphometry; patency