Rodent Model for Orthotopic Implantation of Engineered Liver Devices

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Bioengineering
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Engineered tissues require immediate vascularization upon implantation.
• Rodent models are crucial for preclinical evaluation of tissue-engineered constructs.
• Current limitations exist in surgically integrating large engineered tissues with host vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel surgical model for evaluating engineered liver tissue.
• To establish a method for providing hematological support to implanted cellularized devices.
• To facilitate in vivo testing of bioengineered constructs for liver function replacement.

Main Methods:

• Developed a surgical protocol using rat models for vascular anastomosis.
• Created a shunt between the left portal vein and left hepatic vein.
• Integrated engineered tissue devices into the vascular shunt with sustained anticoagulation.

Main Results:

• The surgical model successfully supported implanted cellularized devices.
• Devices remained patent, maintaining blood flow through millifluidic channels.
• Over 200 implantation procedures refined the vascular anastomosis model.

Conclusions:

• The described surgical model is valuable for preclinical evaluation of engineered liver tissue.
• This model supports the development of translational protocols for tissue-engineered therapies.
• It addresses critical needs in surgically integrating engineered tissues for organ replacement.