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Procedure for Human Saphenous Veins Ex Vivo Perfusion and External Reinforcement
Published on: October 1, 2014
Transient elastic support for vein grafts using a constricting microfibrillar polymer wrap.
Mohammed S El-Kurdi1, Yi Hong, John J Stankus
1Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, United States.
Biomaterials
|May 6, 2008
Summary
Biodegradable polymer wraps applied to arterial vein grafts (AVGs) do not harm vein viability. These wraps can control wall stress, potentially improving AVG function and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Vascular Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Arterial vein graft (AVG) failure is a significant clinical challenge, often caused by intimal hyperplasia, thrombosis, and accelerated atherosclerosis.
- Current strategies to improve AVG patency include mechanical support, which can be facilitated by perivascular biodegradable polymer wraps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of applying biodegradable polymer wraps to vein segments without compromising tissue viability or function.
- To demonstrate the potential of these wraps in gradually imposing controlled circumferential wall stress (CWS) on veins under arterial conditions.
Main Methods:
- Poly(ester urethane)urea, collagen, and elastin were electrospun onto porcine jugular vein segments.
- Tissue viability was evaluated using Live/Dead staining; functionality was assessed via vasomotor challenges.
- Wrapped vein segments were perfused ex vivo under arterial pressure (120/80 mmHg) for 24 hours to measure CWS.
Main Results:
- The electrospinning process did not adversely affect the viability of the vein tissue.
- The composition and degradation rate of the polymer wrap allowed for controlled modulation of the mid-wall CWS over time.
- Vein segments maintained viability and function after wrap application and perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable polymer wraps can be successfully applied to vein segments without compromising viability or function.
- This technology offers a method to engineer controlled mechanical loading on AVGs, potentially improving their clinical performance.
- The findings suggest a promising approach for developing enhanced arterial vein grafts.
