Preliminary results of small arterial substitute performed with a new cylindrical biomaterial composed of bacterial cellulose.
OBJECTIVE
Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) represent an innovative approach for overcoming reconstructive problems associated with extended vascular diseases by providing small-calibre vascular grafts. This study aimed to evaluate a novel biomaterial of bacterially synthesised cellulose (BC) as a potential scaffold for TEBV.


METHODS
Highly crystalline cellulose was produced by a bacterium (Acetobacter xylinum) using glucose as a source of carbon. Using a patented process, hollow-shaped segments of BC were created with a length of 10mm, an inner diameter of 3.0-3.7mm and a wall thickness of 0.6-1.0mm. These grafts were used to replace the carotid arteries of eight pigs, and after a follow-up period of 3 months, the grafts were removed and analysed, both macro- and microscopically.


RESULTS
Seven grafts (87.5%) remained patent, whereas one graft was found to be occluded. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed rapid re-cellularisation by recipient endothelial cells. Light microscopic examination showed a three-layered wall structure of the BC segments, with cellulose still being present in the media.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that the innovative BC-engineering technique results in the production of stable vascular conduits, which exhibit attractive properties for their use in future TEBV programmes for vascular surgery.
Wippermann
J
J
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, Cologne 50937, Germany.
Schumann
D
D
Klemm
D
D
Kosmehl
H
H
Salehi-Gelani
S
S
Wahlers
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002482:Cellulose / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000648:ultrastructure; D041822:Gluconacetobacter xylinus / Q000378:metabolism*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013552:Swine; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D002482:Cellulose