Serum proteins provide a matrix for cultured endothelial cells on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts

Endothelialization of prosthetic vascular grafts has been shown to increase patency. We studied the adhesion of cultured endothelial cells of adult human saphenous vein to serum protein coating on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts. The adhesion was compared with that on native or collagen type I-coated grafts. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the precoating and the appearance of the added cultured cells. Presence of radioactively labeled saphenous vein endothelial cells was compared between precoated and uncoated grafts before and after exposure to pulsatile plasma flow. The adherence of saphenous vein endothelial cells was markedly increased on grafts coated with serum proteins or collagen. On both graft types the cells formed confluent areas, which were also present after the plasma flow. The technique was designed to promote endothelialization, using autologous serum as the main source for both growth stimulation during culture and adherence of endothelial cells to grafts. The method may be clinically useful for precoating and endothelialization of vascular grafts.