title: Requirements for growing tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
abstract: Small diameter (< 6 mm) vascular grafts are in large demand for coronary and peripheral bypass procedures. Although synthetic grafts have been developed, tissue-based vascular grafts that can better mimic native vessels will likely yield superior results. The success of a tissue-based graft depends on its ability to meet several requirements. First, a graft must possess a confluent, adherent and quiescent endothelium to resist thrombosis in vivo. The mechanical behavior of the graft must mimic the mechanical properties of a native vessel. Hence, a graft must have a highly organized collagen matrix to impart tissue strength. Finally, a graft must contain an elastin network to provide compliance and recoil.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Duke University, Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
authors.forename: Shannon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Laura E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Niklason
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D019737:Transplants
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials