Acellular human dermal matrix as a small vessel substitute

In both vascular and microvascular surgery, there is a need for a non-thrombogenic, small-caliber, arterial substitute. Clinically, most vessel substitutes with diameters under 4 mm have low patency rates. An arterial conduit made from a biocompatible human acellular dermis may be useful as a small vessel conduit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the patency rates of a vascular conduit made from rolled human acellular dermal (ACD) matrix and a similar-sized polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube, using the rat femoral artery interposition model. Twenty-eight days after implantation, 9 or 10 (90 percent) ACD grafts and 5 of 8 (62.5 percent) PTFE grafts were patent. False aneurysms formed in 6 ACD conduits along the longitudinal suture line. The three patent non-aneurysmal ACD conduits developed an endothelial luminal lining. While further studies are needed, acellular dermis appears to be a promising material for use as a vessel substitute.