A device to bolster the longevity of saphenous vein grafts in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery is promising despite a recent trial failing its primary endpoint, the lead researcher says.

The VEST (venous external support) device is made of fine cobalt-chromium wire mesh and placed over the graft to prevent veins from dilating under pressure, thereby reducing intimal hyperplasia that can prompt repeat procedures.

“Vein grafts have a limited durability — about half of them will be closed 10 years after coronary bypass surgery,” noted the lead researcher, Professor John Puskas, from Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, US.

He told the American Heart Association scientific sessions 2021 virtual meeting that the within-patient pivotal VEST trial included 224 patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease who had one saphenous vein graft (SVG) bypass supported with the device whereas another graft served as control.