A historical review of the histology of patent autogenous vein grafts and vein patches.

The literature on the histological changes occurring in autogenous vein grafts and patches was reviewed. Over 307 grafts (235 animal and 72 human) and 30 patches (28 animal and 2 human) have been described. Grafts were investigated from patients who died on the operating table up to 22 years after operation. Intimal thickening and various changes in the media (including necrosis and replacement fibrosis) occurred. Dilatation of vein grafts has occurred, and anerysm formation has been reported. Atheroma has been described in the grafts from 5 patients.