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Cell-free vascular grafts: Recent developments and clinical potential.
Sindhu Row1,2, Ana Santandreu1, Daniel D Swartz2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Amherst, NY 14260-4200, USA.
Technology
|July 5, 2017
Summary
Cell-free vascular grafts offer ready-to-use surgical solutions, overcoming challenges in cell-based therapies. These innovative grafts are advancing vascular tissue engineering for diverse clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Cell-based vascular grafts face challenges in cell sourcing, expansion, and long-term culture.
- Cell-free vascular grafts have emerged as a promising alternative for on-demand surgical applications.
- These grafts utilize decellularized tissues, cell-based engineered tissues, or biomaterials for in situ regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in cell-free vascular graft technologies.
- To discuss the clinical applicability and trial outcomes of these grafts.
- To highlight potential applications in various vascular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on cell-free vascular graft development.
- Analysis of decellularization techniques and biomaterial functionalization strategies.
- Examination of clinical trial data and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Cell-free grafts derived from decellularized arteries and engineered tissues are viable alternatives.
- Biomaterial-based grafts functionalized with growth factors promote in situ regeneration.
- Clinical trials demonstrate the feasibility and potential of these off-the-shelf grafts.
Conclusions:
- Cell-free vascular grafts represent a significant advancement in tissue engineering, offering on-demand solutions.
- These technologies have broad potential applications, including coronary bypass, lower extremity bypass, and vascular injury repair.
- Further clinical evaluation is ongoing to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of cell-free vascular grafts.
