Implantation of the eSVS Mesh: modification of recommended technique.

The eSVS Mesh is a knitted wire lattice manufactured in cylindrical sheaths of various diameters, designed to be placed around the outer surface of a saphenous vein graft before use in coronary surgery. The goal is to improve long-term vein graft patency by preventing expansive endothelial injury obviating neointimal hyperplasia and subsequent graft atherosclerosis. Since the First-In-Man feasibility trial of the eSVS Mesh, postmarket studies in Europe and a feasibility trial in the United States are ongoing. Consensus from the principal investigators indicated the trials had confounding variables that may impact results other than evaluation of the eSVS Mesh alone. With input from these investigators, the recommended operative technique has been modified for future trials by removing the mesh from proximal and distal anastomoses and eliminating the use of fibrin sealant. These changes allow for use of an implant technique closer to standard vein bypass grafting and a more focused evaluation of the eSVS Mesh.