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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Establishment and Evaluation of a Porcine Vein Graft Disease Model
Published on: July 25, 2022
A Narrative Review of Experimental Models to Study Vascular Grafts Infections
Mathilde Puges1,2, Fatima M'Zali3, Sabine Pereyre2,4
1CHU de Bordeaux, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Bordeaux, France.
Background:
Many experimental models have been developed to decipher the mechanisms of vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEIs), and to elaborate strategies to prevent or treat their occurrence. A systematic literature research was conducted to identify the most accurate models for studying VGEIs, depending on the research question.
Methods:
A narrative literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, with no set limit on the date of publication, up to 10 August 2021. Ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo animal studies on VGEIs, published in English or French, were selected. Cross references retrieved from selected articles on PubMed database were also included. Data on microorganisms and grafts studied, details of experimental models, and of graft implantation and removal in animal studies were collected.
Results:
A total of 243 studies were included in the review after reading the full length articles: 55 in vitro studies, 169 animal studies, 17 studies which used both in vitro and animal models, and two ex vivo studies. Many differences in model characteristics were seen. The main in vitro model was the incubation of a graft sample in a bacterial solution, used to study the first steps of infection. In animals, vascular large animal models (dogs and pigs) were the most commonly described but supplanted over time by extravascular and particularly subcutaneous mouse and rat models, which have been reported increasingly over the last few years. In animal models, antibiotic prophylaxis and therapy were rarely administered (27.4% and 19.9%, respectively), and vascular reconstruction after VGEIs even less frequently (9.8%).
Conclusion:
Despite protocol discrepancies, it was possible to dinstinguish three main experimental models (i.e., in vitro and in vivo vascular models, and extravascular models), which all remain of interest to study specific phases of VGEIs.
Insights
Researchers reviewed studies on experimental models for vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEIs). They identified three main models—in vitro, in vivo vascular, and extravascular—each valuable for studying different VGEI phases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEIs) pose significant clinical challenges.
- Developing accurate experimental models is crucial for understanding VGEI mechanisms and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and identify the most accurate experimental models for studying VGEIs.
- To categorize and compare different in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models used in VGEI research.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across MEDLINE and Cochrane databases up to August 2021.
- Included studies were in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo animal models of VGEIs, published in English or French.
- Data extracted included microorganisms, graft types, model details, and treatment interventions.
Main Results:
- A total of 243 studies were analyzed, comprising in vitro, animal, and ex vivo models.
- In vitro models primarily involved incubating graft samples in bacterial solutions.
- Animal models evolved from large animals to smaller rodents, with limited reporting on antibiotic use or surgical repair.
Conclusions:
- Three primary experimental models—in vitro, in vivo vascular, and extravascular—are relevant for studying VGEIs.
- Each model type offers unique insights into specific phases of VGEI pathogenesis and treatment.
- Despite variations, these models collectively advance the understanding and management of VGEIs.
