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A compliant small-diameter vascular prosthesis lined with functional venous endothelial cells.
W Müller-Glauser1, K H Lehmann, P Bittmann
1Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Switzerland.
ASAIO Transactions
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers developed a new compliant, endothelial cell-lined vascular graft to improve blood vessel replacement. This innovative prosthesis shows promising antithrombogenic properties, addressing key limitations of current small-diameter grafts.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Small-diameter vascular grafts often fail due to lack of compliance and antithrombogenicity.
- Current prostheses are inelastic and do not actively prevent blood clot formation, limiting their long-term effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel 4 mm internal diameter vascular prosthesis with enhanced compliance and endothelial cell lining.
- To assess the antithrombogenic properties and mechanical integrity of the new graft design.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microporous polyurethane-siloxane copolymer graft reinforced with a polyester network.
- Lining the prosthesis with functional endothelial cells (ENC) achieving >95% coverage.
- In vitro testing for compliance, kink resistance, burst strength, and shear stress resistance.
- In vivo implantation in dogs as an arteriovenous shunt to evaluate antithrombogenicity.
Main Results:
- The prosthesis exhibited compliance (13.2 x 10(-4) mmHg-1) and non-kinkability (radius of curvature = 5 mm).
- Endothelial cell lining was highly pure and produced prostacyclin, maintaining integrity under shear stress.
- Implanted grafts demonstrated antithrombogenicity, indicating successful endothelialization.
Conclusions:
- A compliant, porous, and actively antithrombogenic small-diameter vascular prosthesis is feasible.
- The developed graft shows potential for improving long-term patency in vascular reconstruction.