Comparison of preserved vascular allografts using glycerol and University of Wisconsin solution in a goat carotid artery transplantation model.
BACKGROUND
Prosthetic grafts have poor patency rates in peripheral arterial reconstructions. Glycerol (GL)-preserved grafts are an alternative. The aim of this study was to examine patency, graft morphology and function of GL-preserved allografts in a goat carotid artery animal model.


METHODS
The first group (n = 7) underwent bilateral replacement of the carotid artery by a carotid allograft that was preserved in GL for 1 week. In the second group (n = 5), a carotid artery allograft that was preserved in University of Wisconsin solution (UW) for 48 h was used. In the third group (n = 5), the jugular vein (autologous vein, AU) was used. The follow-up was 3 months.


RESULTS
One UW graft and 1 GL graft occluded in the first 24 h postoperatively. Three-month primary patency rates for GL, UW and AU grafts were 93, 100 and 80%, respectively (p = 0.39). Graft diameter was increased in UW allografts (p < 0.005), whereas GL allografts remained unchanged. After explantation, GL allografts demonstrated contraction and relaxation capacity and lower intimal thickness (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
GL preservation has proven to be a feasible method for arterial allograft transplantation in a large animal model with decreased intimal hyperplasia and renewed functional capability.
Department of Surgery and Surgical Laboratory, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
P J
PJ
Fahner
D A
DA
Legemate
A C
AC
van der Wal
J
J
van Marle
S L M
SL
Peters
C F
CF
van Eck
T M
TM
van Gulik
M M
MM
Idu
D000241:Adenosine; D000493:Allopurinol; D000792:Angiography; D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000502:physiology / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005978:Glutathione; D005990:Glycerol; D006041:Goats; D007328:Insulin; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009926:Organ Preservation; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; D011887:Raffinose; D013599:Systole; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014661:Vasoconstriction
D007328:Insulin; D019188:Organ Preservation Solutions; C055206:University of Wisconsin-lactobionate solution; D000493:Allopurinol; D005978:Glutathione; D000241:Adenosine; D011887:Raffinose; D005990:Glycerol