Controlled flow studies in 4 mm endothelialized dacron grafts.
Endothelial cell seeding of 4 mm ID double velour dacron vascular grafts promoted luminal endothelial cell surfacing and improved small-diameter graft performance as evidenced by the following: Flow rates through endothelial cell seeded grafts were higher than through nonseeded control grafts. With increasing postsurgical time the flow rates through seeded grafts increased as a consequence of greater luminal endothelial cell coverage. During low flow conditions endothelial cell seeded grafts retained thrombus-free surface characteristics whereas thrombus accumulated during low flow in nonseeded grafts. Some nonseeded grafts occluded during low flow. The ability of seeded grafts to retain thrombus-free surfaces during low flow increased with increasing postoperative time as a consequence of greater luminal endothelial cell coverage. Endothelial cell seeding is an efficacious approach to maintaining graft patency during conditions of reduced blood flow.
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D004727:Endothelium / Q000502:physiology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D012039:Regional Blood Flow
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates