[Experimental study and clinical application of endothelium seeded vena caval prostheses]

One hundred and eleven mongrel dogs were used for this study. Endothelial cells were harvested from jugular vein or omentum with methods of collagenase digestion and density gradient separation. Animal model of prosthetic interposition into the inferior vena cava with or without distal arteriovenous fistula was established. The complete endothelialization was established 5 to 10 days following a high density seeding. The neointimal hyperplasia was inhibited. A 100-day 100% patency of prosthesis was reached. The seeded endothelium secreted higher level of PGI2 than normal control and lower level of TXB2, hence the positive effect of distal AVF functioning for a week on the patency was demonstrated. This method used in 10 cases with Budd-Chiari syndrome resulting in good outcome after 3 to 5 years follow-up. We conclude that the endothelial seeding technique has a promising future using in the venous circuit.