A lumped-parameter approach for designing a novel pulsatile bioreactor for ex-vivo studies of human saphenous vein remodeling

After coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the hemodynamic conditions experienced by the saphenous veins are similar to those experienced by coronary arteries: pulsatile pressure (80-120 mmHg), pulsatile flow (mean flow rate of 250 ml/min), and elevated shear stress (1-7 Pa). Here we present a novel pulsatile platform for studying the human saphenous vein early remodeling events after CABG.