La constitution d'une banque d'homogreffes de veines saphènes strippées est-elle possible?

The long-term cryopreservation of viable human venous allografts is discussed. The preservation technique includes immersion in a 15 p. cent Dimethylsulfoxide solution, followed by deep hypothermia in liquid nitrogen at - 196 degrees C. The veins studied were preserved for a period of 1 week to 24 months. Histological and scan electron microscopy examination does not show any specific alteration resulting from the freezing technique. Tissue enzymes assays, titration of the fibrinolytic activity and the rate of prostaglandins synthesis, are not affected by the duration of the preservation period. This cryopreservation technique respects the venous structure and functions; therefore, its clinical use is possible. Strict selection of the stripped veins according to morphological criteria seems therefore absolutely necessary.