Endovenous laser treatment vs conventional surgery for great saphenous vein varicosities: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND Varicosis is a common venous condition,which is typically treated surgically.However,selection of the optimal surgical approach can be challenging.Previous studies comparing endovenous laser treatment(EVLT)and conventional surgery were retrospective and observational in nature and the results may therefore have been influenced by selection bias and the presence of other confounding factors.In this study,we used propensity score matching to reduce selection bias when comparing EVLT and conventional surgery for the treatment of varicose great saphenous veins.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1063 patients treated for primary varicosis of the great saphenous vein at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 2009 and December 2019.Among them,56 patients were excluded owing to additional small saphenous varicose vein involvement,81 owing to recurring varicose veins,83 owing to complicated varicose veins(CEAP clinical classification C5-C6),and 6 owing to perioperative phlebitis.Finally,772 patients were enrolled in this study.Standard demographic and clinicopathological data were collected from the medical records of the patients.For propensity score matching,522 patients(261 who underwent EVLT and 261 who underwent conventional surgery)were randomly matched 1:1 by age,sex,onset time,smoking status,presence of diabetes,family history,stress therapy,C class,and the affected leg.RESULTS Of the 772 patients included in the study,467 underwent EVLT and 305 underwent conventional surgery.There were significant differences in age,onset time,smoking and diabetes status,and family history between the two groups.Following propensity score matching,no significant differences in patients’characteristics remained between the two groups.ELVT was associated with a shorter operation time and hospital stay than conventional surgery,both before and after propensity score matching.There were no differences in complications between the two groups after propensity score matching.Patients who underwent EVLT had a higher recurrence rate during the two-year follow-up period than those who underwent conventional surgery(33.33%vs 21.46%,χ^(2)=11.506,P=0.001),and a greater percentage of patients who underwent EVLT experienced pain one week after the procedure(39.85%vs 19.54%,P=0.000).CONCLUSION EVLT may not always be the best option for the treatment of great saphenous vein varicosis.

Revascularization for Iliac-femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm with Greater Saphenous Vein

Objective To investigate the role of revascularization procedures with autologous greater saphenous vein in surgical management of iliac-femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in parenteral drug abusers. Methods Twenty-one patients with iliac-femoral artery pseudoaneurysm caused by parenteral drug abuse from 2004 to 2007 were enrolled. Among them,15 patients were male and 6 were female; their average age was 31.3 years. The size of pseudoaneurysms ranged from 3.0 cm to 7.5 cm. Common femoral artery and distal external iliac artery were often involved. We performed arterial reconstruction on these patients with autologous greater saphenous vein as a graft after excising iliac-femoral artery pseudoaneurysm through a single curved inguinal incision. All patients were followed up,and the complications were recorded. Results The surgical procedures were finished without intraoperative mortality or perioperative complications. All patients were free of claudication symptoms after the surgery except one case with preoperative popliteal artery stenosis. One case of infection and wound tissue fistula was found later. One case had inguinal incisional hematoma and another complained of numbness in thigh skin. Conclusions The use of autologous greater saphenous venous grafts for arterial reconstruction after pseudoaneurysm excision in drug abusers is safe and effective. This technique offers more advantages than arterial ligation alone without revascularization. An optimal greater saphenous venous graft is a prerequisite for revascularization.

Glabridin Relaxes Vascular Smooth Muscles by Activating BK_(Ca) Channels and Inhibiting Phosphodiesterase in Human Saphenous Vein

The aim of the current study was to investigate the pharmacological activity of glabridinon the isolated human saphenous vein (SV) and explore the underlying mechanisms. Samples of patients' SVs were removed during bypass surgery, and 4-mm lengths of the vessels were placedin Krebs solution at ±4℃ and hung in an isolated organ bath to assess their contraction/relaxationresponses. The contraction/relaxation responses were recorded to observe if the cyclic guanosinemonophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) pathway mediates the relaxant effect of glabridinafter treatment with blockers like ODQ (a guanylate cyclase inhibitor), KT5823 (a PKG inhibitor),isobutylmethylxanthine [IBMX, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor], and cantharidin [Cant,a myosin light-chain phosphatase (MLCP) inhibitor]. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO), cGMP, andPKG levels in SV tissues were determined by ELISA after incubation with glabridin, N(o)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-Name, a NO synthetase inhibitor), phenylephrine (PE), ODQ, IBMX,and KT5823. The results showed that glabridin relaxed the vascular smooth muscle of humanSV pretreated with PE in a dose-dependent manner, which was independent of the endothelium.The vasorelaxant effect of glabridin was only inhibited by iberiotoxin (IbTX), Cant, and KT5823.Glabridin increased cGMP and PKG levels in SV homogenates, whereas it did not alter the NOlevel. The enhancing efects of cGMP and PKG levels by glabridin were abolished by ODQ andKT5823. In conclusion, glabridin has a vasorelaxant effect, which is associated with the activationof BKc. channels and inhibition of PDE.

Effect of Troglitazone on Expression of Adhesion Molecules and eNOS in Human Saphenous Vein Gaft

To investigate whether peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ （PPARγ） ligand Troglitazone can reduce endothelial injury and activation during storage of harvested saphenous vein grafts. Segments of human saphenous vein graft were collected from 9 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and then divided into two equal parts of control and test specimens, were stored in ei- ther heparinized blood （control group） or heparinized blood containing 20 μmol/L troglitazone （test group） for 1 h at room temperature. Tissue distribution and protein expression of VCAM-I, ICAM-I, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） were compared using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Myeloperoxidase （MPO） activity, a marker of neutrophil sequestration in human saphenous vein grafts, was also measured in each group. The expression of ICAM-1 （753±132 versus 7201±934; P〈0.01） , VCAM-1 （3731±294 versus 8292±793; P〈0.01）, and MPO activity （1.52±0.42 U/g, 5.04±1.26 U/g P〈0.01） were significantly lower in test group. In contract, eNOS expression （7983±834 versus 3989±1008; P〈0.01） was significantly higher in test group. PPARγ ligand troglitazone might reduce endothelial injury during the storage period of human saphenous vein grafts.

A huge thrombosed aneurysm of a saphenous vein graft leading to compression of cardiac structures： role of multimodality imaging

Aneurysmal change of saphenous vein grafts （SVG） is a rare condition that predominantly develops 10-20 years after coronary artery bypass graft （CABG）. Natural course includes mechanical complications due to mass effect, myocardial infarction and aneurysmal rupture. Aneurysmectomy can be considered when it induces such complications. We demonstrate complete set of diagnosis, treatment and post-operative imaging of a huge SVG aneurysm that was successfully treated with surgical resection.

VNUS Closure^®FAST Radiofrequency of the Great Saphenous Vein for Superficial Venous Insufficiency: Experience of the CH of Cholet in France

Background:The objective of this work was to evaluate the first results of the radio ablation of the great saphenous vein in the processing of chronic venous insufficiency. Method: This is a monocentric retrospective study of radio ablation of the great saphenous vein using VNUS Closure® FAST for superficial venous insufficiency of the great saphenous vein, between January 2012 and December 2014. Results: 42 patients (57 limbs) were operated on with this technology. There were 33 women and 9 men (mean age: 46.5 years). Thirty-nine patients (92. 8%) were symptomatic. Thirty-two patients (76.1%) were classified CEAP 2. The average diameter of the saphenous vein was 8.5 ± 1.5 mm. Three patients (7.1%) had a percutaneous approach. A perfect occlusion of the saphenous vein was observed in all patients. No incident or undesirable event was observed during the procedure. One case of delayed deep-vein thrombosis was observed. At one month of follow-up, six patients (14.2%) had induration opposite to the occluded vein. Forty-three percent of the patients stated they were very satisfied with the procedure. Conclusion: The effectiveness, security and simplicity of the closure method are real. More studies are necessary to assess the long-term results of this procedure.

Higher Energy Does Not Mean Better Outcome Following Endovenous Laser Ablation of Great Saphenous Vein

Background: Endovenous laser ablation is a relatively newer alternative to treat great saphenous vein insufficiency. We evaluated the efficiency and safety of treatment endovenous laser procedures on the different saphenous vein diameters with different energy levels. Methods: Data regarding endovenous laser ablation of symptomatic chronic great saphenous venous insufficiency in 209 patients were prospectively recorded. Patients were grouped into two main groups based on their diameters as 5 to 7 millimeters (Group A) or more than 7 millimeters (Group B). Patients in each group was randomized into two groups as >90 J/cm (A1 and B1) or 80-90 J/cm (A2 and B2). Postoperative outcome and complications were recorded during follow-ups at 1st week;1st, 3rd and 6th months to examine the venous reflux and recanalization. Results: Perioperative complaints as pain, cramps and ankle swelling were more commonly observed in A1 group. Fatigue was more common in A2 and B2 groups. No major complications as deep vein thrombosis or skin burns were observed. Conclusions: Endovenous laser ablation is a safe and effective procedure with a high satisfaction rate shortening hospitalization durations and early ambulant activity. Pain, ankle swelling and fatigue are the most common minor complaints in the early postoperative period.

Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Comparison in Terms of Patient Symptoms

Background: The aim of this study is to compare radial artery with saphenous vein grafts which are widely used for coronary bypass, from views of patients’ satisfaction and postoperative findings. Methods: 42 isolated coronary bypass (CABG) patients performed during November 2012-April 2013 are included in the study. 30 days after the operation, in patients who had both RA and SV removal made responses to a questionnaire form which included 6 questions about symptoms of extremity. Results: After analyzing the responses and physical examination, there was no difference in terms of quality of life and usefulness of the extremity for daily use between two grafts. 2 patients (2%) have wound infection on the saphenous vein incision and additional surgical procedure was performed and a scar tissue has occurred. There was no statistically significance between uncomfortable symptoms and demographic data. Conclusion: Our study suggested that RA graft using showed a bit more comfortable and suitable effect against SV in our patients. We think that radial arterial grafts should be used more widely in coronary surgery with selected patients.

Application of Endovenous Laser Treatment Combined with Foam Sclerotherapy for the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Great Saphenous Vein Varicosity

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of endovenous laser treatment(EVLT)combined with foam sclerotherapy(FS)in the treatment of great saphenous vein varicosity(GSVV).Methods:A total of 50 patients with GSVV,treated between March 2021 and March 2024,were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table.The combination group(25 cases)underwent EVLT combined with FS,while the conventional group(25 cases)underwent EVLT alone.The total effective rate,complication rate,disease severity score,and serological indicators were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the combination group was higher,and the complication rate was lower compared to the conventional group(P<0.05).One week after surgery,the disease severity score in the combination group was lower,coagulation function indicators were better,and inflammatory factor levels were lower compared to the conventional group(P<0.05).Conclusion:EVLT combined with FS can improve the clinical efficacy in GSVV patients,prevent postoperative complications,reduce disease severity,protect patients’coagulation function,and alleviate postoperative inflammatory responses,showing significant advantages in combined surgery.

A Comparative Analysis on Surgical Outcomes and Complications of Endoscopic and Open Vein Harvesting Techniques

Objective: The great saphenous vein (GSV) is commonly used as a conduit for grafting during CABG surgery, and open GSV harvesting (OVH), commonly used with long incision to expose the vein. However, endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) is an alternative approach, utilizing specialized instruments and small incisions to harvest the vein. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) requiring great saphenous vein (GSV) harvesting which was done by EVH or OVH procedures. Demographic variables, including age and gender, were assessed for both groups. Intraoperative variables such as the number of grafts, cardiopulmonary bypass time, X clamp time, and type of procedure were analyzed. Postoperative variables, including infection and bleeding rates, were also evaluated. Results: The study included 30 patients each undergoing Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with need of great saphenous vein harvesting which was done by EVH and OVH. Demographic variables were well-matched between the two groups in terms of age, while a significant difference in gender distribution was observed. Obesity and smoking were more prevalent in the OVH group, and EVH was associated with a higher mean number of grafts compared to OVH. Conversion to an open technique occurred in a portion of the EVH cases, and infection rates did not significantly differ between the EVH and OVH groups. However, the incidence of postoperative bleeding was significantly higher in the EVH group. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables associated with EVH and OVH techniques. EVH demonstrated advantages in terms of reduced infection rates compared to OVH. However, the higher incidence of postoperative bleeding associated with EVH raises concerns about potential risks.

Endovenous laser ablation of great saphenous vein with ultrasound-guided perivenous tumescence： early and midterm results

Background Endovenous laser ablation （EVLA） is an improved method to treat varicose great saphenous veins （GSV） with a high satisfactory rate. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of treatment by EVLA procedures with ultrasound-guided perivenous tumescence. Methods Thirty-one patients （31 limbs） with symptomatic varicose vein primary to chronic venous insufficiency （CVI） treated with EVLA were prospectively studied. The entire procedure was performed under ultrasound-guided tumescent local anesthesia. The patients were evaluated with a 18 month follow-up postoperation using clinical examination and venous duplex ultrasonography. Pain scores and quality of life （QOL） were recorded using visual analog scale （VAS） and the chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire （CIVIQ） at 1 week, 1 month, and 12 months after operation. Results All patients tolerated EVLA procedure well. The overall success occlusion rates of GSV were 92%, 94%, and 94% at 1, 12, and 18 months follow-up, respectively. The score of CIVIQ one week preoperation was 69.14±11.44 while that of CIVIQ one month postoperation was 85.32±4.89. The life quality has significantly improved after the operation of EVLA （t=12.71, P 〈0.05）. The VAS one month after treatment was lower than 1 week before therapy （t=8.048, P 〈0.05）. Major complications such as deep vein thrombosis and skin burns were not found. Most of the complications were minor and improved quickly. Conclusions This refinement type of EVLA procedure is a safe and effective treatment with a high satisfaction rate; it displayed noteworthy features including shortening hospitalization, early ambulant activity, and preferable occlusion rates.

Application of Endoscopic Vein Harvesting in Obese Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic vein harvesting （EVH） for coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） in obese patients. Totally, 153 obese patients who underwent EVH （n=81） or standard bridging technique （SBT, n=72） in CABG surgery from May 2012 to October 2014 in our hospital were enrolled in this retrospective non-randomized controlled study. The general situation of operation, postoperative complications and short medium-term outcomes were analyzed. The baseline characteristics were similar between these two groups （P〉0.05）. There were no statistical differences in total operation time （226±28 min vs. 224±30 min, P〉0.05）, number of damaged vessels （0.12±0.05 vs. 0.16±0.06, P〉0.05） and short medium-term outcomes including revascularization rate （1.25% vs. 2.78%, P〉0.05）, vessel dysfunction rate （11.25% vs. 11.11%, P〉0.05） and mortality （0.00% vs. 0.00%, P〉0.05）. Use of EVH was associated with significant reduction of total harvesting time （41±6 min vs. 63±11 min, P〈0.05）, incision length （4.4±1.1 cm vs. 18.2±4.5 cm, P〈0.05） and postoperative lower extremity complications （P〈0.05）. EVH can reduce the risk of wound complications, whereas does not influence short- and medium-term outcomes in obese patients. It can be considered a reliable procedure of harvesting vessel conduits for obese patients undergoing CABG.

Conventional operation and laser therapy in the treatment of varicose veins

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of endovenous laser therapy and conventional thera- py on the varicose of great saphenous vein.Methods:Thirty-two patients received endovenous laser thera- py and 32 patients were operated by conventional therapy(high ligation and stripping).The observation results of great saphenous vein(GSV)were recorded by clinical evaluation and duplex ultrasound examina- tion.And the operating time,intraoperative blood loss,time to become moveable,duration of hospitaliza- tion and degree of feeling pain were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared with conven- tional therapy,laser therapy had good curative effect with less complications and no scars and no pains. There were significant differences between the two groups(P<0.01).Conclusion:Laser therapy for varicose of great saphenous vein is better than the conventional therapy.It deserves to be widely used in clinical treatment.

Anatomic Dissection of the Femoral Vein at the Bamako Anatomy Laboratory

Objectives: The purpose of this work was to measure the dimensions of the femoral veins, to describe the affluent and the variations of the femoral veins. Methodology: Twenty-four femoral veins of 12 fresh adult cadavers were dissected and photographed. Results: The diameter of the superficial, deep and common femoral veins was respectively 8.75 mm;7.60 mm and 13.95 mm. The common femoral vein was 80.70 mm long. At the level of the superficial vein, the modal disposition was noted in 79.17%;as anatomical variations, it was split in 2 cases, the presence of a collateral canal in 1 case and in 2, and it received a quadricipital muscle vein. At the level of the deep femoral vein, the modal disposition was noted in 16.67%, and the anatomical variations were noted in 83.33% where it received no affluent in the femoral trine. The modal disposition was noted in 91.67% at the level of the mode of birth of the common femoral vein, in 16.67% at the level of its tributaries. The anatomical variations were noted in 8.33% in the mode of birth of the femoral vein, in 83.33% in which the common femoral vein received, in addition to the large saphenous vein, other tributaries, the most frequent of which were the quadricipital veins and the circumflex femoral veins. Conclusion: The diameter of the femoral veins is important. The main tributaries of the common femoral vein are GVS, VQ and circumflex femoral veins. The femoral variations are numerous and important to know to avoid a possible misdiagnosis in case of their thrombosis.

Percutaneous coronary intervention of totally occluded coronary venous bypass grafts:An exercise in futility?

BACKGROUND Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)of diseased saphenous vein grafts(SVG)continues to pose a clinical challenge.Current PCI guidelines give a class III recommendation against performing PCI on chronically occluded SVG.However,contemporary outcomes after SVG intervention have incrementally improved with distal protection devices,intracoronary vasodilators,drug-eluting stents,and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy.AIM To reassess the procedural and long-term outcomes of PCI for totally occluded SVG with contemporary techniques.METHODS This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a single university hospital.The study population consisted of 35 consecutive patients undergoing PCI of totally occluded SVG.Post-procedure dual antiplatelet therapy was continued for a minimum of one year and aspirin was continued indefinitely.Clinical outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 1221±1038 d.The primary outcome was freedom from a major adverse cardiac event(MACE)defined as the occurrence of any of the following:death,myocardial infarction,stroke,repeat bypass surgery,repeat PCI,or graft reocclusion.RESULTS The study group included 29 men and 6 women with a mean age of 69±12 years.Diabetes was present in 14(40%)patients.All patients had Canadian Heart Classification class III or IV angina.Clinical presentation was an acute coronary syndrome in 34(97%)patients.Mean SVG age was 12±5 years.Estimated duration of occlusion was acute(<24 h)in 34%of patients,subacute(>24 h to 30 d)in 26%,and late(>30 d)in 40%.PCI was initially successful in 29/35 SVG occlusions(83%).Total stent length was 52±35 mm.Intraprocedural complications of distal embolization or no-reflow occurred in 6(17%)patients.During longer term follow-up,MACE-free survival was only 30%at 3 years and 17%at 5 years.CONCLUSION PCI of totally occluded SVG can be performed with a high procedural success rate.However,its clinical utility remains limited by poor follow-up outcomes.

Iatrogenic Disruption of Left Main Coronary Artery during Aortic Valve Replacement

This aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the gold standard for symptomatic aortic stenosis. Peri-operative complications like dissection, stenosis involving coronary artery are well described in many series. We present a rare iatrogenic complication of disrupted left main coronary artery during the delivery of cardioplegia while performing AVR in a 54 year male patient for severe calcific aortic stenosis. The inadvertent injury to the artery was timely noticed and managed successfully with long saphenous vein graft.

Endoscopic vein harvest in elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

While traditional open vein harvest was related to postoperative wound complications, endoscopic vein harvest was developed to minimize the morbidity in the greater saphenous vein harvest procedure. In this study, these two procedures were compared for postoperative wound healing and long-term graft patency. We reviewed all consecutive patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2004 to December 2005 and collected data regarding wound complications and coronary events. Wound complications included dehiscence, excessive discharge, edema, altered sensation, cellulitis, hema-toma, pain scale, and superficial and deep wound infection. Coronary events were defined as diagnosis of myocardial infarction during the first year's follow-up. A total of 392 patients were included in our series, among whom 44 were excluded from the study due to emergent operation, preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump support, or the greater saphenous vein varicose characteristic, 78 belonged to open vein harvest group, and 270 to endoscopic vein harvest group. Wound complications were significantly less in the endoscopic group (5.2%) compared to the open group (19.2%) (P=0.0002). There was no significant difference on preopera-tive risk factors, total operative time, or hospitalization days. During one-year follow-up, both the early and late graft patency rates were similar between the two groups. Endoscopic vein harvest is safe and effective, which carries less risk for wound complica-tions and is associated with better satisfaction and cosmetic result than the traditional greater saphenous vein harvest procedure. The endoscopic vein harvest also demonstrates a great long-term patency.

Successful infrainguinal revascularization with autologousvein for inadvertent stripping of superficial femoral artery:a case report

A referral patient who had previously under-gone varicose vein surgery was admitted as an emergency case.On admission,the patient complained of intolerable pain,paralysis and paresthesia of the affected limb,which was characterized by acute arterial ischemia symptoms.Color Doppler of the artery of the affected limb indicated that no bloodflow signal existed in the superficial femoral artery.During exploratory operation,we found that the right superficial femoral artery instead of the great saphenous vein of the affected limb had been stripped and ligated.Therefore,the intact right great saphenous vein was taken for auto-transplantation by inverse end-to-end anastomosis to the proximal and distal residual superficial femoral artery,which resulted in gradual recovery.Except for ischemic reperfusion injury,no other post-operative complications occurred after a 10 month follow-up;however,the long-term curative effect needs further observation.Here we report our treatment experience.

Evaluations of endoscopic vein harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Compared with the open saphenous vein harvesting （OVH）, there is a larger decrease in inci-sion complications of endoscopic vein harvesting （EVH）. Fewer studies were conducted to evaluate the quality of great saphenous vein （SVG） harvesting by these two methods. To apply transit time flow measurement （TTFM） to SVG grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG）, we properly evaluate the quality of SVG and surgical effect. Methods From January 2012 to August 2012, 38 cases underwent EVH and 16 cases underwent OVH. We recorded pulsatility index （PI）, mean graft flow （MGF） and diastolic flow （DF） of SVG grafts for statistical analysis. The dysfunctional grafts diagnostic criteria is PI 〉 5, MGF 〈 10 mL/min or DF 〈 50%. Result In terms of SVG grafts, no significant difference existed in the length of two groups （P = 0.2395）. EVH group har-vesting time was longer than OVH group （P = 0.0113）, but the incision length of EVH group was shorter （P = 0.0000） and it needed less suture time. EVH group presented no significant differences in incision complication rate from OVH group （P = 0.7055） within 1 month after surgery. TTFM data of well functioning grafts had no significant difference in the two groups （PI： 3.2 ± 1.0 vs. 2.9 ± 0.9, MGF： 34.7 ± 20.4 vs. 36.3 ± 19.2 mL / min, DF： 66.3% ± 10.6% vs. 68.5% ± 10.3%）. There was no significant difference in the rate of dysfunctional grafts in two groups （P = 0.7954） as well. The cause for tomosed the grafts with satisfactory effect. Conclusion vesting methods. The surgical effect and the quality of quality of SVG grafts can be reasonably evaluated by TYFM.

Human vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells cocultured on polyglycolic acid (70/30) scaffold in tissue engineered vascular graft

Background Current prosthetic, small diameter vascular grafts showing poor long term patency rates have led to the pursuit of other biological materials. Biomaterials that successfully integrate into surrounding tissue should match not only the mechanical properties of tissues, but also topography. Polyglycolic acid （70130） has been used as synthetic grafts to determine whether human vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells attach, survive and secrete endothelin and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α （6-keto-PGF1α）. Methods Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells were isolated from adult human great saphenous vein. They were seeded on polyglycolic acid scaffold in vitro separately to grew vascular patch （Groups A and B respectively） and cocultured in vitro to grow into vascular patch （Group C）. Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells were identified by immunohistochemical analysis and growth of cells on polyglycolic acid was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The levels of endothelin and 6-keto-PGF1α in the culturing solutions were examined by radioimmunology to measure endothelial function. Results Seed smooth muscle cells adhered to polyglycolic acid scaffold and over 28 days grew in the interstices to form a uniform cell distribution throughout the scaffold. Then seed endothelial cells formed a complete endothelial layer on the smooth muscle cells. The levels of endothelin and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha in the culturing solution were （234±29） pg/ml and （428±98） pg/ml respectively in Group C and （196±30） pg/ml and （346±120） pg/ml in Group B; both significantly higher than in Groups A and D （blank control group, all P〈0.05 ）. Conclusions Cells could be grown successfully on polyglycolic acid and retain functions of secretion. Our next step is to use human saphenous vein smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells to grow tubular vascular grafts in vitro.