Ex-vivo Mechanical Augmentation of Human Saphenous Vein Graft by UV-A Irradiation in Emergency Vascular Reconstruction – Preliminary Results

This study explores a novel photochemical approach to improve the biomechanical performance of venous grafts used in emergency vascular reconstruction. Using human saphenous vein samples obtained during surgery, the authors applied UV-A irradiation following riboflavin incubation to induce collagen crosslinking within the vessel wall. The treated grafts exhibited a substantial increase in Cauchy stress and Young’s modulus, reaching values comparable to arterial tissue. These ex-vivo results demonstrate that photochemical crosslinking strengthens venous walls, reducing compliance mismatch between graft and artery and potentially mitigating neointimal hyperplasia and graft failure. The findings establish proof-of-concept for a UV-A–based mechanical augmentation therapy in vascular grafting.