Animal Models of Intimal Thickening in Coronary Artery Bypass Vein Graft Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the single leading cause of mortality, affecting a third of the population worldwide. CAD is characterised by progressive atherosclerotic plaque formation within the coronary artery wall due to lipid and inflammatory cell infiltration. Atherosclerotic plaques are susceptible to rupture or erosion, exposing plaque contents to circulating blood, thereby triggering thrombus formation. Although healing can occur, repeated episodes of rupture or erosion, alongside thrombosis organisation and incorporation into the vessel wall, can lead to partial or complete vessel occlusion, restricting blood flow and causing myocardial ischaemia. Severe cases can result in myocardial infarction.