Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
04:05
Surgical Model for Single-Staged Tissue-Engineered Urothelial Tubes in Minipigs
Published on: July 5, 2024
Decellularized ureter for tissue-engineered small-caliber vascular graft.
Yuji Narita1, Hideaki Kagami, Hiroshi Matsunuma
1Department of Clinical Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan. ynarita@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Summary
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts from decellularized ureters show promise for bypass surgery. These grafts maintained mechanical properties and remained patent in vivo, unlike synthetic alternatives.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Small-caliber vascular prostheses are crucial for bypass surgery.
- Previous synthetic grafts have faced limitations, including thrombosis and poor patency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate tissue-engineered vascular grafts using decellularized ureters (DUs).
- To compare different decellularization methods and assess graft properties for potential surgical application.
Main Methods:
- Canine ureters were decellularized using Triton-X 100, deoxycholate, trypsin, or SDS.
- Decellularized ureters were analyzed for histology, DNA content, immunogenicity, and mechanical properties.
- Endothelial cells and myofibroblasts were seeded onto DUs, and grafts were implanted in a canine carotid artery model.
Main Results:
- Triton-X 100 treatment yielded the best decellularization and matrix preservation.
- Treated DUs exhibited low DNA content and immunogenicity, with burst strength >500 mmHg.
- EC-seeded DUs remained patent for 6 months in vivo, outperforming non-seeded DUs and PTFE grafts.
Conclusions:
- Decellularized ureters, particularly those treated with Triton-X 100, are suitable biomaterials for vascular grafts.
- Tissue-engineered DUs demonstrate excellent mechanical properties and long-term patency in a preclinical model.
- Decellularized ureters represent a promising alternative conduit for small-diameter bypass surgery.
