A new device for endothelial cell seeding of a small-caliber vascular prosthesis

A device permitting homogeneous endothelial cell seeding of a small-caliber arterial prosthesis has been developed. The prosthesis is maintained firmly attached to a rotative scaffolding device. This device is activated by an electrical motor at constant and adjustable speed. The whole system is maintained at 37 degrees C in a cell culture incubator. The 4 mm internal diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prosthesis was coated with biological glue and seeded with human saphenous vein endothelial cells obtained by mechanical detachment. Cell seeding density was 2.10(4) cells/cm2 (Group A, n = 6) or 10(5) cells/cm2 (Group B, n = 6). Rotation speed was 8 revolutions per hour (rph) during 90 min. Analysis of the homogeneity of cell seeding was permitted by cell counts on five different segments of the prosthesis. Each longitudinal segment was analyzed at three different subsegments of the circumference. The average adhesion was 43 +/- 4% in Group A and 38% +/- in Group B of seeded cells. No difference could be observed between the different segments and subsegments. In the two groups, cells were spread, and in Group B, a complete endothelial cell layer was obtained on the graft surface. This study permits validation of the device to allow homogeneous cell seeding in an arterial prosthesis.