Does C-reactive protein predict saphenous vein graft patency?
In this issue, Momin and colleagues1 present timely translational evidence that preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels may predict the functionality and patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. Endothelial function was examined in saphenous vein segments from patients undergoing CABG who had been treated with simvastatin preoperatively. CRP levels emerged as the only independent (negative) correlate of endothelial function, and they consequently open the window to the possibility that patients with elevated CRP may be predisposed to postoperative SVG occlusions among other de novo atherosclerosis-related complications. Although the immediate procedural success with SVGs is comparable with that of arterial grafts, the greater susceptibility of SVGs to accelerated intimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis remains a limiting factor. Improving endothelial function is an important therapeutic approach in limiting aberrant saphenous ve
