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Development of a growable vascular graft
Y Noishiki1, Y Yamane, M Furuse
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, Okayama University, Tottori, Japan.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1988
Summary
A novel vascular graft made from human saphenous vein was developed to grow with the recipient. This innovative graft demonstrated successful growth and endothelialization in puppy models, offering a promising solution for pediatric vascular repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Developing vascular grafts that can accommodate somatic growth is crucial for pediatric patients.
- Existing synthetic grafts often face challenges with growth and thrombosis in small diameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a "growable" vascular graft capable of accommodating recipient growth.
- To evaluate the growth, antithrombogenicity, and endothelialization of the novel graft in a preclinical model.
Main Methods:
- Human saphenous vein was processed and cross-linked with a polyepoxy compound for controlled biodegradability and antithrombogenicity.
- Grafts (4 mm ID) were enveloped in larger polyester mesh tubes (10 mm ID) and implanted in the thoracic descending aorta of 11 puppies.
- Graft diameter, wall structure, and endothelialization were assessed after 1 year.
Main Results:
- The implanted vascular grafts successfully grew from 4 mm to 9.5 mm in inner diameter within one year.
- The grafts exhibited endothelial cell coverage on their luminal surfaces after 1 year.
- Growth arrest was achieved by the outer polyester mesh, while cross-linking degree controlled the growth rate.
Conclusions:
- A growable vascular graft using modified human saphenous vein was successfully developed and tested in a preclinical setting.
- The combination of a reinforcing outer mesh and controlled cross-linking allows for predictable graft growth and termination.
- This approach holds potential for creating patient-specific, size-adapting vascular grafts for various clinical applications.