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Long-term assessment of a damp-stored, albumin-coated, knitted vascular graft
G S McGee1, T A Shuman, J B Atkinson
1Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
Insights
Albumin-coated grafts showed no significant difference compared to collagen-coated grafts after 6 months. Both graft types demonstrated durability and served equally well for vascular remodeling and tissue incorporation in aortic interposition.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Previous study indicated superior endothelialization with albumin-coated grafts over collagen-coated grafts at 1 month.
- This study aimed to assess the long-term performance of these grafts over a 6-month period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the initial advantages of albumin-coated grafts persist after 6 months of implantation.
- To compare the tissue integration and biocompatibility of albumin-coated and collagen-coated vascular grafts.
Main Methods:
- Aortic interposition of 6 cm albumin-coated (n=6) or collagen-coated (n=4) grafts in canine descending thoracic aorta for 6 months.
- Evaluation of tissue ingrowth, perigraft inflammation, and capsular thickness via light microscopy.
- Quantification of luminal thrombus-free surface area and endothelial coverage using computer planimetry and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between albumin-coated and collagen-coated grafts after 6 months.
- Both graft types exhibited durability and effectively supported vascular remodeling and tissue incorporation.
- Histological and planimetric analyses showed comparable outcomes for both graft materials.
Conclusions:
- Albumin-coated and collagen-coated grafts perform equally well as long-term scaffolds for aortic repair.
- The safety, handling, low porosity, low thrombogenicity, and durability of albuminated grafts support their consideration for clinical trials.
Abstract:
In a previous study the authors reported greater endothelialization and thrombus-free surface area in albumin-coated grafts compared with collagen-coated grafts after 1 month's aortic interposition. Another study was undertaken to determine whether these differences persisted after a 6-month implantation period. A 6 cm segment of either an albumin-coated [n = 6] or a collagen-coated [n = 4] graft was implanted into a canine descending thoracic aorta for 6 months. Light micrographs from multiple sections of each explanted graft were scored from 1 to 4, least to most, for tissue ingrowth, perigraft inflammation, and capsular thickness. Using computer planimetry, luminal thrombus free surface area and endothelial coverage were calculated from gross and electron photomicrographs, respectively. The results were averaged and expressed as mean +/- standard error (SEM). After 6 months, no significant differences were noted between the albumin-coated grafts and the collagen-coated grafts, both of which were durable and served equally well as scaffolds for vascular remodeling and tissue incorporation. The authors conclude that the safety, ease of handling, low porosity, low thrombogenicity, and durability of the albuminated grafts warrant their clinical trial.