Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2005; 53 - O_38
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-922357

Development of an artificial vessel lined with human vascular cells

H Gulbins 1, A Pritisanac 1, M Dauner 2, M Doser 2, B Meiser 3, B Reichart 3
  • 1Dept. of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
  • 2Institute for textile and process engineering, Denkendorf, Germany
  • 3Dept. of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany

Introduction: We investigated cell seeding on polyurethane vascular prostheses (PUVP).

Methods: Three groups, n=15 each: Group A (20mm), Group B (4mm), and Group C (4mm, ethylene oxid (Eto)-sterilized). PUVP's were pre-seeded with a mixed culture of FB's and SMC's followed by EC seeding. Seven days after cell seeding, PUVP's were perfused under a pulsatile flow. Flow definitions: adaption phase (AP): low flow, resulting pressure: 60/30mmHg. High flow (HF): resulting pressure: 160/50mmHg, lasting for 4 hours in all groups. Three subgroup differed in the perfusion strategy: HF immediately, AP of 15 minutes followed by HF, and AP of 30 minutes followed by HF. Specimen were taken after each seeding procedure, prior and after perfusion, and examined using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and immunohistochemical stainings.

Results: Pre-seeding with the mixed culture revealed a better initial adhesion in Groups A and B compared to group C (76% vs. 41%). In Groups A and B, EC seeding (adhesion 72%) resulted in a confluent EC layer. Immunohistochemical stainings were positive for collagen IV, laminin, CD31, and factor VIII. In Group C, only isolated cells were found. HF immediately: Group A and B prostheses revealed small defects (<10% of the surface) of all cell layers. AP of 15 minutes: only rare defects within the EC layer, intact basement membrane. AP of 30 minutes: confluent cell layer without cell defects, the EC stained also positive for eNOS.

Conclusion: Seeding of a mixed culture resulted in an excellent EC adhesion and resistance to shear stress.