Development of hybrid compliant graft: rapid preparative method for reconstruction of a vascular wall

This paper presents a rapid preparative method of vascular wall reconstruction using a compliant artificial graft. The architecture of a hierarchically structured vessel wall composed of a "biomimic" intima, a basement membrane, and media was produced using step-by-step reconstruction. Electron microscopic observation of transverse sections of the reconstructed vessel wall showed a four-layered structure: monolayered endothelial cells as an intima; an artificial basement membrane composed of a collagen fiber matrix complexed with dermatan sulfate; a medial composed of smooth muscle cells embedded in collagen fiber nets; and an open-cell structured microporous compliant artificial graft as a structural matrix. The tissue-engineered structure, with a complete and morphologically intact lumen covered with endothelial cells, imparts biologic function. Thus, the tissue engineering approach promises to provide rapid construction of a viable bioartificial vessel.