Endothelial Cell Seeded Synthetic Vascular Grafts
SourceSeeding of synthetic vascular grafts with enzymatically derived autologous endothelial cells in canine and baboon experimental models results in early development of an antithrombogenic lining. Investigators from ten different institutions have published results of research on graft endothelialization. Linings of seeded grafts have been proven to be endothelium by electron microscopy as well as immunofluorescent microscopy using factor VIII-related antigen. The endothelial surface produces prostacyclin. Endothelial cell-seeded grafts, in contrast to unseeded grafts, have less affinity for platelet attachment, as demonstrated by lesser graft imaging using In111 labeled platelets, longer platelet survival times, reduced thrombogenicity at low flow rates, and improved patencies. The efficacy of this technology in clinical settings has not been defined.